Mariellen Elizabeth Bessent

Mariellen Elizabeth Bessent, 41, was taken from us on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Born in North Myrtle Beach, SC, she was the daughter of the late Fat Harold and Ann Lewis Bessent-Blust (Paul).

She is survived by the two lights of her life, her children, Luke and Maricatherine Minor; her exchange-student parents, Margareth Mercado and Leonardo Gonzalo-Figueroa-Cuadra (of Chile); brother, David Bessent; sister, Laura Todd (Tony); niece, Brittany Jackson (Josh); nephew, Anson Todd (Shannon); uncle, Jetter Wilton Lewis, Jr.; aunt, Carol Anne Lewis; cousins, Steve Lewis (Cindy), Marianne Leggett (Kenny), and Shawn Fondren-Speedling; sister-in-law, Jennifer Dunham (Raymond) and nieces, step-siblings, Alex Blust and Amelia Blust, her NMB family and her baseball family.

Mariellen graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School in the Class of 2000, where she was known for her talents in dance and cheerleading. Following her high school years, she pursued her higher education at Clemson University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish & International Trade in 2004. During her time at Clemson, Mariellen was actively involved in the Gamma Sigma Sigma sorority and had the enriching experience of studying abroad in Chile, where she had family connections.

Since completing her college education, Mariellen had explored various career paths. She had worked as a substitute teacher at different schools and had also contributed her skills to the management of her father’s bars, HOTO’s and Fat Harold’s. Her true calling was in real estate, following in her mother’s footsteps. She worked with Global Lending Services and had recently re-engaged in the realm of real estate, finding her niche at C Dan Joyner Realty.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Mariellen had simple joys that she cherished, including her love for cheese, wine, 90’s hip hop music, and spending time at the beach and mountains. However, her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother to her children, whom she treasured above all else. Many of her days were spent keeping score at the ball field, attending practices, and games. Her baseball family held a special place in her heart.

Mariellen would break into song, dance anytime, and was always ready to make her famous sausage balls for any occasion. Her smile will live in our hearts forever and her hugs will be missed by so many.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Her friends and family will also be holding a celebration of life at Fat Harold’s to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to gofundme In memory of Mariellen Bessent Minor, organized by Dawn Knopff, for the children that are left behind

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