Obituary of Marsha Jean Gay Solley

Marsha Jean Gay Solley died at her home in Columbia, S.C. on May 25, 2018 at the age of 68.  She was born in Savannah, Ga. on November 20, 1949.  She was an only child.  She and her parents resided in several Georgia towns due to her father's business (Gay's TV Service) before finally settling in Columbia, S.C. in the early 1960's.  She attended and graduated from Dreher High School in 1967.  She was employed in the medical field with Blue Cross Blue Shield for many years and a private medical practice of the late Charles T. Goodson, M.D.  She was married to Jerry Willhoit from 1972 to 1976 and David A. Solley from 1979 to present.

She cared for her mother-in-law, Ruth Solley until Mrs. Solley entered a nursing care facility and later cared for her mother, Miriam W. Gay until she entered a nursing care facility also. She was known for her big heart, her loyalty as a friend and her generosity.  She had no children, but through the years had many dogs which she considered her children.  She had a great love for camping, especially at the beach.  She was an avid reader and a fan of crime dramas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Miriam “Tiny” Waters Gay and father, Aubrey Gay.  Surviving her are her husband, David A. Solley of Columbia, S.C.; several first cousins, R.M. Hunter, Jr. (Betsy) of Otto, N.C., Patricia H. Becton (Billy) of Evans, Ga., James E. Hunter, Jr. (Ruth) of New Port News, Va., Brenda T. Winskey (Jim) of Statesboro, Ga., Judy T. Rocker (Kirk) of Millen, Ga., Debra T. Bryan of Sylvania, Ga. and several other cousins.  Also surviving her are sister-in-law, Marjorie Solley Brown and her husband, Bob Brown of Columbia, S.C.

Her services were held at the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel on Leesburg Rd., Columbia and she was buried alongside her parents at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Columbia on May 31, 2018.