Elaine Marjorie Taylor Wightman

Elaine Marjorie Taylor Wightman, 91, died on October 26, 2010, in Due West, South Carolina. She was born in Dorchester, Dorset, England, the daughter of Doris and Chetwood Taylor. She graduated top of her high school class and attended Whitelands College, part of London University. During World War II, she taught in London and Torquay, and served as an elementary school principal. Elaine married Joseph Wightman on August 5, 1942. The Wightman family came to Erskine College in 1955 where Joe served as a history professor. Elaine taught first and second grades in the local schools. In 1965, when Joe became president at Erskine College, she temporarily retired from teaching to serve as the First Lady, a job for which her grace and hospitality made her perfectly suited. The Wightmans moved to Conway, SC, in 1973, where Joe taught at Coastal Carolina University and Elaine taught first grade for seven years. After Joe's death in 1983, she moved to Greenville, SC, where she lived for 24 years. She served as an elder and Stephen Minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church. She also volunteered faithfully at Greenville Memorial Hospital, accruing many thousand hours of service. She is survived by her son, Dr. Mark Wightman, wife Donna, and their two children, Dawn Wightman Hill, husband Aaron, and David Wightman; and her daughter, Sarah Brice, husband James, and their three children: Joseph Brice, wife Tara, their two daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline; Anna Brice Wiersma, husband Jeff, their two sons, Lucas and Brice; and David Brice. The family will receive friends in Greenville at the home of James and Sarah Brice on Saturday from 4-6 p.m., and a celebration of her life will be held at the Due West ARP church on Sunday at 3 p.m. Elaine will be fondly remembered for her cheerful and loving spirit by all who knew her. The family is very grateful to the staff of Covenant Way for its outstanding care during her last 3 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Erskine College, PO Box 608, Due West, SC 29639, or to the charity of one's choice. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the Wightman family.