Thayer "Peach" (Allen) Boswell

Thayer Allen Boswell, also known as "Peach," of Summerville, SC, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

Memorial Services will be Saturday morning, September 1, 2018 at 10 o'clock in the chapel at the Village at Summerville. There will be a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Peach's name to Timrod Library, 217 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483, Employees Appreciation Fund at the Village, 201 W. North 9th Street, Summerville, SC 29483, or a charity of your choice.

Peach is predeceased by her parents, Rear Admiral William Henry Allen and Thayer Capers Allen. She was born in New York City and grew up on Navy bases all over the US, as well as Europe, the Philippines, and China. Her father was stationed at Charleston Navy Yard in 1926 as Captain of the Yard and from 1938-1942 as Commandant of the 6th, 7th, and 8th Naval Districts. They lived in the original Marshlands home and later in Quarters A, which she believed must be restored and preserved. During that time, she was presented at the St. Cecilia and was a member of the Miss Charleston Court. Peach is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, James Harlan Boswell, who was a teacher and tennis coach at Summerville High School for decades. Peach and Jim moved to Summerville in 1951. She is survived by her daughter, Thayer Boswell Dodd (Tom) and her son, James Allen Boswell (Hollace).

Peach loved the theatre and performance art. She began her acting career at summer stock in Brattleborough, VT and in New York City before WWII. She served on the Board and acted in dozens of plays at the Footlight Playhouse on Queen Street and the Dock Street Theatre including Salt & Battery, Solid Gold Cadillac, No Sex Please, We're British, Blithe Spirit, Harvey, Arsenic and Old Lace, and many more. She was also on the Board of the Flowertown Players and had leading roles in Barefoot in the Park, Driving Miss Daisy, and so many more. She was on the Board of Directors of the Charleston Concert Association. She is a former President and Historian of the National Society of the Colonial Dames in the state of South Carolina, former President and active supporter of The Timrod Literary & Library Society, member of the Junior League of Charleston, member of the Summerville Preservation Society, and a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. She was actively involved in many community activities through the years.

Peach attended Ashley Hall and Miss Crafts School when her father was stationed in Charleston. She attended boarding schools in Switzerland, North Carolina, and California. She graduated from High School in the Philippines and went with her parents to China in lieu of attending college in the states. She taught at Pinewood Elementary in the 1950's when it first opened.

For the last five years, Peach lived a happy and active life at the Presbyterian Village in Summerville. She made so many friends among the staff and residents and was grateful for the loving care she received. 

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. 

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