Margaret "Maggie" McAllister Self

Margaret McAllister ‘Maggie’ Self, 72 passed away on Sunday May 28, 2023, in Cheraw, S.C., after an extended illness.

She was born March 9, 1951, in Florence, SC, 1 of 4 children to Margaret McAllister ‘Peggy’ Hite and James Alfred Self. She played basketball throughout her school years, graduating from McClenaghan High School in 1969. She attended Lander College in Greenwood, SC receiving a bachelor’s degree in children’s education.

Maggie always wanted to live in a world that was conditioned for peace, and we are thankful she is now at rest. She had a love for nature and animals, and a gift and passion for encouraging children. Maggie was a shining light and mentor in the Beaufort and Florence County School systems for 25 years, and one of the first teachers at School Indigo in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, a school dedicated to the creativity of children. She was a Reverend, Certified Indigo Family Coach, and Founder of Children of Spirit, which was dedicated to parenting and empowering spiritually authentic children. She is to be remembered for her contributions of playfulness, compassion and acceptance as an advocate and safe-haven for the lives she touched.

Maggie is survived by her two sons, James Paul ‘Tripp’ Smyth III (Amber) of Florence SC, and Timothy Hunt Smyth (Justina) of Barron, Wisconsin. Her 3 grandchildren; Jaslyn, Tavin, and Stetson, her 3 siblings; Michael Hunt Self of Myrtle Beach, Jamie Tuck Self of Surfside Beach, and Paige Self Thomas (Joey) of Florence, SC, and many nieces and nephews; Kevin Self, Heather Self, Caleb Davis, Jamie Davis, Allen Sanderson, Austin Sanderson, Aaron Sanderson; and Grand nieces and nephews: Jackson Self, Ethan Mehl, Zach Mehl, Rett Self, Kaitlyn Mehl, Lilly Self, Eden Sanderson, Silas Sanderson.

An excerpt taken from Maggie’s vision for her life beautifully describes her essence: I am a spiritual, peaceful warrior and healer for children, walking in nature’s beauty, offering a helping hand and a loving heart to animals, nature, and humans alike to bring harmony and balance to ourselves and our environment. My joyful state of freedom becomes a fountain of creativity and a still pool of inner peace. I contribute peace, love and harmony in my life and the lives of others.

Maggie’s dream weaving and playful spirit will be deeply missed. She was loved and adored by her family, friends, and the children she mentored.

A celebration of her life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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