Maria Kirby Stock

Maria Kirby Stock, 79, of Columbia, SC, passed away on September 7, 2026. Born on July 12, 1947, in Columbia, she was the daughter of the late John and Bernice Kirby.

Maria attended St. Peter's Elementary School and Cardinal Newman High School before graduating from Columbia College in 1969. She went on to dedicate many years to education, teaching second and third grade at several schools throughout her career, most recently at Webber Elementary School and Hyatt Park Elementary School. She touched the lives of countless students over the course of her teaching career.

Maria was married to George W. Stock, Jr. from 1969 until his passing in 1977, and later to Richard T. Renfrow, III from 1984 to 1997.

She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she generously gave her time as a den mother for Pack 100. Maria had a deep joy in gardening, as well as a rich, creative life as a painter, and her heart and home were always open to more than a few stray dogs and cats over the years.

She is survived by her son, Christopher W. Stock, and his fiancée, Katherine G. Womble, along with her brother, Mark Kirby.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Foundation.