Early Life and Family
Growing up in Saluda County, Molly learned the importance of family, faith, and hard work. She and her brother were expected to help feed the calves, clean the barns, and perform other chores on the family farm, nestled in the rolling hills of the South Carolina Upstate.
Molly began playing the piano and organ at her small country church when she was 12 years old. She and her family still attend the same church today, and she continues to serve as the Music Director and Organist.
As a junior at Hollywood High School, Molly was selected to participate in Palmetto Girls State, a summer program that teaches rising seniors in high school about civic responsibility and leadership through participation in a mock government.
The Girls State experience made a profound impact on Molly. She has volunteered with the program for over 35 years now, passing on the lessons she learned about good citizenship and the importance of participating in government.
Molly majored in Music Education at Lander College (now University) and was elected Student Body President. She earned a Masters of Education Supervision from George Washington University and an Education Specialist Degree from the University of South Carolina.
On a blind date, Molly met the love of her life, Bill Spearman of Newberry County – then a Clemson engineering student. They were married in 1976 and are the parents of three children: Mitchell, an attorney; Franklin (deceased); and Katie, an engineer, and wife to Lee.
