Elementary guidance counselor dies in accident | Local News | Our Gazette

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Elementary guidance counselor dies in accident

Published Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:12 AM

By Michael Tannebaum and David Berman
The Gazette

Marcia O’Brien, a teacher and guidance counselor at Summerville Elementary School for two decades, died Sunday in a two-vehicle collision just outside Saluda, authorities said. She had formerly worked in the Berkeley County School District.

O’Brien, 53, was traveling in a 1999 Volkswagen when, for unknown reasons, a 1996 Chevrolet rollback-style wrecker in the opposite lane went left of center lane and collided head-on with O’Brien, according to Lance Cpl. Scott Edgeworth of the S.C. Highway Patrol. She was wearing a seatbelt.

The other driver, Curtis Harrison, 31, of Johnston, was transported to an area hospital with injuries, Edgeworth said. He also was wearing a seatbelt. The wreck is still under investigation.

O’Brien worked at Summerville Elementary School since 1989, first as a physical education teacher and more recently as a guidance counselor, said Marsha Yarborough, assistant principal.

“She was easy-going and the children responded to her very well and very quickly,” Yarborough said. “Marcia was always willing to help and do whatever needed to be done around the school. She absolutely loved Summerville Elementary. This was her pride.”

Before taking a job at Summerville Elementary, O’Brien worked in the Berkeley County School District.

O’Brien was an active member of the school’s staff. She would handle the “Citizen of the Day” ceremony every day during which a student was recognized.

Every morning, O’Brien stood on South Main Street to greet the students as buses arrived, said Sue Jarvis, assistant principal.

“She was a compassionate person that was willing to help anyone in need,” Jarvis said. “She was always here for the kids and adults in our school. She touched the lives of many children.”

Services will be held Thursday, June 25 at 2 p.m. at Old Fort Baptist Church, 10505 Dorchester Rd., Summerville.

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