Mrs. Elizabeth “Libby” Alexander Murdaugh, 85, of Varnville, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 19, 2024, at her residence surrounded by family and friends. She was affectionally known as Em by her grandchildren. Libby was born on February 26, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, daughter of the late Milton Donald Alexander and Nelle Jones Alexander. Libby graduated from Wade Hampton High School in 1957 where she excelled in academics and athletics. It was here that she began dating her future husband, the late Randolph Murdaugh, III. After graduation she attended Columbia College, graduating in 1961 with a BA Degree in Business Administration. That summer she married Randolph, with whom she celebrated 60 years of marriage shortly before his death in 2021. In the fall she began teaching Business classes at Airport High School. In the summer of 1964, the couple returned to Varnville to reside. Libby taught at Wade Hampton High School until resigning to stay at home to care for her four children. She began teaching again at North District Middle School in August of 1980. She served as the cheerleading coach, as well as taking on many other extra responsibilities before her retirement in May of 2004. Libby served on the Hampton School District One School Board from 2004 - 2019. During her tenure she served several years as the School Board Chairman and served as a Regional Director for the Board of Directors of the South Carolina School Boards Association. She was an ardent fan of the Gamecocks and enjoyed going to sporting events, no matter the season. Her biggest loves were her family, grandchildren, and friends for whom she was always making plans for a gathering or party! Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Lynn Murdaugh Goettee (Allen), her sons Randolph “Randy” Murdaugh, IV (Christy), Richard Alexander Murdaugh, and John Marvin Murdaugh (Liz); grandchildren Mills Goettee, Trey Goettee, Buster Murdaugh, Reeves Goettee, Mary Elizabeth Murdaugh, Caroline Murdaugh, Mary Marvin Murdaugh, Liza Grace Murdaugh, and Randolph Murdaugh, V; sister Janet Cotter, brother Don Alexander (Lisa), sister-in-law Brenda Young (Tommy); and special family member Barbara Mixson, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Libby was predeceased by her husband Randolph Murdaugh, III; her daughter-in-law Maggie Murdaugh; grandson Paul Murdaugh; and brother-in-law Arlen Cotter. The family is grateful for the wonderful caregivers who kept her comfortable and provided such loving care at the end of her life. Not only did Libby’s caregiver provide professional care, they became dear friends and a part of the family. The funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Varnville United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Hampton Cemetery. The service will be conducted by Rev. Jack Hutto and Rev. John Culp directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home of Hampton. Visitation will be in the Varnville United Methodist Church prior to the service beginning at 11 am. Those who wish, may send memorials to the Varnville United Methodist Church, PO Box 45, Hampton, SC 29924, or the Hampton Education Foundation, 372 Pine Street East, Varnville, SC 29944.
