Alida P. Rawl

Alida Parker Rawl, 93, of West Columbia, SC, died January 19, 2026. Born in Loris, SC, she was the daughter of the late Lilla Wright and Dwight M. Stanley. She attended Converse College, The Eastman School of Music, and received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of South Carolina in Music Education.

Mrs. Rawl was Director of Music at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church for 31 years. She was a former choral director at University High School and Eau Claire High School, and taught voice and piano privately. She was the founder of the Dutch Fork Music Teachers Association and a former member of the Columbia Music Teachers Association. She was a soprano soloist with Washington Street Methodist Church choir for 12 years. She also sang with the Capital Life Chorale, the Columbia Choral Society and the Arpad Darazs Singers. She served on Newberry Opera House Board of Directors and was an active member of the Opera Guild of Greater Columbia and the Afternoon Music Club. In 2017, Mrs. Rawl was presented with an Honorary Life Membership in the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Other memberships included the Columbia Museum of Art, the Morning Music Club, USC Alumni Association, Friends of the State Museum, Hansom Wheels Society, Friends of the USC School of Music, the Symphony League, Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity, and The English Speaking Union.

In addition to her talent and passion for music education and ministry, Mrs. Rawl was known for her wonderful sense of humor, cheerful personality, kind heart, and devotion to her family.

Mrs. Rawl was predeceased by her first husband, William H. Parker, and her second husband, Delphin W. (Billy) Rawl, Jr; she is  survived by son Stan Parker (Vicky), daughters Regina Richmond (Darren), Celeste Goff, Holly Larcade, granddaughters, Morgan Parker, Erin LeRoy (Philip), and great grandson, John Parker (J.P.) LeRoy.

At Mrs. Rawl's request, no public service will be held. Memorials may be made to: Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210.