Marguerite Delane Kiser Bessenger went to be with her Lord and her loved ones on February 27, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1926, in Jacksonboro, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Arnold Gaines Kiser and Kate Anderson Kiser.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James "Bubber" Elmer Bessenger; her daughter, Martha Delane Bessenger Bivens; her sisters, Dacey Wilkerson and Virginia Beach; her sisters-in-law, Doris B. Cook and Zelma B. Hickman; and her brothers-in-law, John Wilkerson, Ladson Beach, Jim Cook, and Lanier Hickman.

Marguerite attended a two-room schoolhouse in Jacksonboro and later graduated from Walterboro High School and Coker College. She also completed graduate coursework at The Citadel and the University of South Carolina. She taught at Chicora High School before serving for 31 years at Walterboro High School as a social studies teacher and guidance counselor. She was a lifetime member of the South Carolina Education Association (SCEA), the National Education Association (NEA), and Delta Kappa Gamma.

Marguerite was a devoted member of Jacksonboro Baptist Church for 86 years, having been baptized in the Edisto River at the age of 13—a place she always loved. She faithfully taught Sunday School and served in many roles within the church, including work with the WMU.

She is survived by her beloved family, who will carry forward her memory and the lessons she instilled in them: her granddaughters, Brooke Delane Bivens Ash and her husband, Howard, and Shannon Bivens Gregg and her husband, Matthew; her great-grandchildren, Addison Olivia Ash, Camden James Ash, Colson Cabot Gregg, and Hannah Amelia Gregg; and her son-in-law, Tommy Bivens and his wife, Mary Ellen. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews: Katie Earley, Jean Meador, Martha Howard, Lisa Stevens, Gail Lane, Michael Hickman, Ladson Beach, and Larry Beach.

Marguerite will be remembered for her gracious spirit, her strength through life's challenges, and the legacy of faith and compassion she leaves behind. Her life was a beautiful example of dedication to family and quiet service to others.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation Wednesday evening, March 4, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 at Parker-Rhoden Funeral home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro.  Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, March 5, 2026 at 11:00 at Jacksonboro Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.