Mary Elizabeth (Buist) Eubanks

Dad came back for a visit and took Mom home Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Mary Elizabeth (Buist) Eubanks, widow of Stanley O. “Gus” Eubanks passed away peacefully at her home on the Edisto River surrounded by family.  Mary Lib was born on September 30, 1946 in Greenwood, SC to the late Samuel Izlar Buist Jr and Doris Agnes Miller Buist.  She married Gus, her childhood and lifelong love, in November of 1966.  Gus would not leave Denmark, so that is where they raised their family.  They had three sons; Neele, Chris and Paul.  

After Paul, the youngest was born, Mary Lib decided that she needed to go to work.  With both Sam and Doris being teachers, her obvious path was set.  She attended Voorhees College and graduated third in her class and obtained her teaching certificate.  She accepted a teaching position with Denmark-Olar Elementary School where she dedicated herself to the children for 27 years.  “Mrs. Eubanks” was loved by her students because she loved them like her own.  The only thing she didn’t like about her career was when the state told her that she couldn’t hug her students anymore.  She retired early in 2002 while caring for Gus during his valiant battle with cancer.

Mary Lib was a dedicated and loving mom to the boys and the love of Gus’ life.  She anchored the home and caring for the boys but enjoyed life with Gus following him through the many phases of his life as any good wife would do.  He rode her on his motorcycle and drug her around with a rock and roll band.  When the boys became of age for Scouting, Mary Lib stepped up as Den Leader in the cub scouts and then “Troop Mom” when the boys moved to the family legacy of Boy Scouts.  She would drive and camp with the troop who treated her like a queen (because she deserved it).   She would often show up with homemade sourdough bread or sweet treats to add to our meals.  Mom was a large part of why our family was honored as Edisto River District Scouting Family of the Year in 1984.  She followed her sons into the Denmark Fire and Rescue where she was a driver for 5 years and continued as a member of the Fire Department Auxiliary always looking out for the firefighters.  

As the boys got older, Mary Lib and Gus would travel around the southeast in search of local music or historical sites.  She loved listening to local talents.  She was proud of her family’s military service.  Her father was in the US Army Air Corp, Gus was a US army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War, her son Paul served 33 years in the US Air Force Reserve activated multiple times for the Iraq War and the War on Terror, and her grandson Jonathan served in the US Navy on the USS Harry S. Truman.

Growing up on the river and being the “cool couple”, we three boys had a lot of friends that were always welcome at our table.  One river rat was here to stay.  Runell snagged Dad’s heart and became our sister before we knew it.  She was a huge help for Mom during Dad’s battle and has been no less with Mom’s.  She is truly a part of this family.

After Gus’ death in 2003, Mary Lib completed the renovations on “The Blue House” and moved to the river.  She was not going to sit.  A special friend, Sam, lead her to spend part of the next 15 years in the mountains of North Carolina.  As with many, Covid changed our lives.  Mary Lib surrendered her mountain time and followed another special friend into the Episcopal Church returning to the roots that started with her grandmother in a children’s home when she was a young child.  Scott was a very big part of Mom’s last years and a treasure to our family for his support.   

Because of the love she shared and always had with “Dadaddy”, her family grew.  “The boys” had children of their own; Megan (29), Jonathan (27), Brendan (20), and Raef (18).  Because Megan was first, Mary Lib got the name Mema.  From 3am swims in the river to cooking “panty-cakes” and watching football she loved having all her family under one roof.  In February of 2023, she received the cancer diagnosis.  Megan was pregnant with Elizabeth (1) at the time and fought through her first round of treatment.  She loved to call just to hear Elizabeth jabber and seeing her “little bookworm” always brighten her day.  And being a “bonus” grandma to Paul’s beloved Bailey and Lauren was a special extra for her to enjoy also.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life on the river bank on October 26th at 11:00 with lunch to follow.  All are invited and are welcome to hang around after for fun and maybe a sing-along.  Dress will be casual.

We ask that, in lieu of flower (as much as Mom loved them) donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the charity of your choice.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary Elizabeth (Buist) Eubanks, please visit our Tree Store.