Elaine K. Stallworth, 86, former elementary teacher
May 25, 2023
Elaine K. Stallworth of Heritage Plantation, a retired elementary school teacher, died April 29 surrounded by her family. She was 86.
From humble beginnings, she learned the value of honest work and the beauty of sharing. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut, she threw herself into her 31-year career as an elementary school teacher. Her love of learning and many talents made her curious about everything. An avid reader, she could often be found in the local library. She was a gourmet chef and baker, herbalist, native gardener and a multi-talented artist.
Mrs. Stallworth found time to golf, swim, practice yoga, play bridge and more. She was friendly with everyone and had many good and loyal friends. In her younger, retired years, she found time to lend a hand and volunteer, whether it be at a public garden pulling weeds, offering to tutor small children, assisting various charities or stabilizing a feral cat colony.
Among her adventures, she went camping in Alaska to see nature up close, traveled all over the United States, kissed icebergs in Iceland, rode a camel in Jerusalem, touched the rain forest in Panama and witnessed the movement of the animals in Kenya. Wherever she went, she could be found in museums or talking to everyone she could, just to learn more about that country and the people. For many years, she had a pen pal in China.
She is survived by her daughters, Deirdre, an attorney, and Michelle, a psychologist; and her grandchildren, Anthony and Angela.
Her husband, Lewis, died before her.
She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pawleys Island.
Services will be private. In lieu of memorials, it was her wish that others do something in her memory to give back and pay forward the gift of life, her family said.