Esther R. McCaskill

Esther Ratcliff McCaskill, 96, of Bethune, SC, widow of Marvin Jones McCaskill, Sr., died September 28, 2025, at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center. “Willie” Esther was the youngest daughter of the late William Thomas Ratcliff and Essie Josie Barnes Ratcliff.

A graduate of Bethune High School and Winthrop College (BS 1953, MEd 1977), she was an executive secretary at Sonoco and later a teacher in Bethune Public Schools. She was a member of Bethune Baptist Church.

Esther is survived by children Jean M. Boan and husband Billy of Kershaw, Amy M. McCaskill of West Columbia, Marvin J. “Mac” McCaskill, Jr, and wife Debbie Stokes of Cassatt, and Edward R. McCaskill of Bethune. Also surviving are grandchildren: Anna B. Rushing and husband Jack of Camden and Daniel B. Boan and wife Maayan Schechter of Columbia; and great grandchildren William J. Rushing and Julia Ann Rushing of Camden. She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law Smith and Gail McCaskill of Bethune.

In addition to her husband, Esther was predeceased by her siblings: Mary B. Hall, Annie Ruth McDowell, Neil B. Ratcliff, Drucilla King, and Eva Jo Best.

The family would like to thank the staff of Karesh at Beechwood, MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center, and MUSC Health Hospice Lugoff.

A graveside service will be held at Timrod Baptist Church Cemetery, 4227 Timrod Road, Bethune, SC, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2. The family will receive friends after the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethune Baptist Church, PO Box 326, Bethune, SC 29009 or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, SC