Ethel Piper

Ethel and John Piper first came to Greenville,SC in 1967, leaving New England when John accepted a position as a corporate research chemist at Kemet Corporation. Ethel became part of the Greenville community as an educator, activist, and community volunteer. Together, they made a passionate and philanthropic impact. Ethel was involved with the League of Women Voters, Head Start, the Urban League and Guardian Ad Litem, a state-funded child advocacy program. The Pipers were dedicated to programs that assisted the disadvantaged, especially children, and social justice. They supported the Phillis Wheatley Center in Greenville, United Ministries, the ACLU, and other organizations. After becoming engaged with Furman University through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program, they established and funded the Piper Ethics Project, which focused on community-centered philosophy in the areas of morality, social justice, and volunteerism. Other significant donations supported Furman’s Bridges to a Brighter Future program, construction of the Herring Center for Continuing Education, and an endowed scholarship fund to assist students with emergency financial needs. Ethel Piper, 88, resided at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community in Asheville, NC before passing away on May 2, 2025. She is predeceased by her late husband John and is survived by her only sister Dorothy Schwobel; three children Jeffrey Piper (spouse Magda and grandchildren Maks and Kaya), Graham Piper (spouse Christine), and Karen Boggan (spouse Michael). Memorial gifts may be made to Furman University in support of the Piper Ethics Project or the Furman United Fund.

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