Marion O'Quinn

Marion Mary Saunders O’Quinn, 81, of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away with her daughter close by her side on Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, at Roper Hospital in Charleston. She was the wife of the late David Martin O’Quinn.

Born August 11, 1943, in Harwell, England in a thatch roof cottage, she was a daughter of the late Marjorie Beryl Gardner Saunders and William Percival Saunders. Marion was the oldest of three children and was proud to have a younger brother (late Jeffrey Saunders) and sister (Jennifer New), who were twins. She had a close relationship with her loving mother, who taught her principles and values on ways to love others unconditionally.

Marion pursued a degree in psychology and dedicated her career to nurturing children. She often fondly recalled attending college and working with the children in a group home at Dr Barnardo's, which was a charity for orphaned children. This is where her deep love for children first started. Years later, Marion opened her home to care for children, providing a safe place while parents worked. She owned and operated her own larger childcare center called Kinner’s Daycare in North Charleston. Families deeply appreciated her patience and unwavering love towards all children, including those with special needs. "Kinner" was an endearing nickname that all of the children called her. Several of the families that she cared for over the years grew into close lifelong friends for both Marion and her family. She had an amazing talent for arts and crafts, often creating handmade pieces that brought joy to others. She learned how to arrange flowers and care for them by working at a flower nursery in England when she was a teenager. She always had a deep love for animals, especially house pets, who brought her companionship and joy throughout her life. Always known as a wonderful teacher that taught and took pride in a job well done, which reflected in all areas of her life.

Marion proudly would tell you that she came over to America as an English Nanny. Her British accent was easy to recognize. She became like family to the Morgan's as she cared for their children in Tennessee. Years later she cared for the grandchildren of the former Mayor Morrison of Charleston. Her greatest passion was focused on her faith in the Lord and her family. She served God with devotion, pouring her heart into the lives of those she loved most. On July 20th, 1968, Marion and David O'Quinn were united in holy matrimony in Charleston. They were deeply committed to each other and starting a family of their own. After many years of prayer, asking the Lord to increase their family, they fostered their son, Randy Craven. Finally, in 1977, Marion gave birth to their "miracle baby" as they lovingly nicknamed her, their only daughter, Marianne Rose. Marion was a wonderful, loving, and devoted mother. Unfortunately, her husband, David, passed away in 1990, which was the same time that Marion's health drastically declined. During vast health battles, Marion learned how to deeply trust in the Lord for strength and courage. British wit and resilience helped her to continue to find laughter, even when she did not feel well. She found great joy in talking with and about her children and grandchildren. She delighted in teaching them her British traditions, how to be creative and resourceful with wide open arms, always ready to share her love physically. Above all she took pleasure in showing them, by example, how to honor the Lord through a life devoted to Christ Jesus.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Marianne Rose (Peter) Hair of Summerville; her sister, Jennifer New of Buckinghamshire, England; her cherished grandchildren, David William Hair, Anna Rose Hair, Jonathan Mark Hair, and Randy Lee (Stephanie) Weber; her daughter-in-law, Carol Craven; many nieces and nephews; and friends that she loved as family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother and foster son.

The family will receive friends at 10 o'clock, with a memorial service following at 11 o’clock, this Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church, 505 Gahagan Road, Summerville. They invite family and friends to gather to celebrate a life rooted in faith, kindness, and love. A private interment will be held at Williams Cemetery in Williams, South Carolina, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

ARRANGEMENTS BY: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.