Dicksie Thornton Gunter

Jesus opened up the Gates of Heaven on Sunday, October 11, 2026, to welcome a woman of exceptional dedication to Christ and her family, Dicksie Thornton Gunter. She passed away at home peacefully with her family, as she had requested. She was born July 23, 1938, at her aunt’s home in Manning, SC to the late Richard James and Gladys Jones Thornton.

After graduating from Roebuck High School in 1956, Dicksie then went on to graduate from Lander College in 1960, where she majored in chemistry and biology with a minor in psychology. She then earned her master’s plus 30 in Education from Converse College.

On May 5, 1961, she started her 65-year love story when she married her soulmate, Joseph Arthur Gunter. She was an influential educator that helped mold many students’ lives through education at Spartanburg Day School, Dorman High School, and Landrum High School. Dicksie also worked at ABCO industries as a chemist.

Dicksie loved to travel with her husband, family, and friends. During her travels she visited all 50 states, Canada, British Columbia, and Mexico. Of all of these, her favorite place to be was the beach.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph A. Gunter; her daughters, Melodie Gunter Mason (Mark) and Suzanne Lynn Gunter Underwood (Stephen); her grandchildren, Lyndsie Suzanne Gunter Mason and Dylan Lawrence Underwood; and her great-granddaughter Waverlie Aizlyn Gunter Mason.

She was proceeded in death by parents, her brother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins that she loved dearly.

Dicksie’s loving smile, heart, and spirit will be deeply missed by her husband and family, along with every life she touched in her 88 years.

We want to extend a special thank you to Dr. Lee Taylor, MD and his office staff, Agape Hospice Home Health, and Annette Jenks for assisting our family in keeping Dicksie at home and giving her the best care and most peaceful passing possible.

Visitation will be 3:00-3:45 PM on Sunday, October 18, 2026 in Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church, 6001 Highway 215, Glenn Springs, SC 29374. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Kevin Horres. Songs to commemorate Dicksie’s life and legacy will be performed by Lyndsie and Waverlie Mason. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In memory of Dicksie, contributions may be made to Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 279, Pauline, SC 29374.