Search Marlboro County Death Index
Marlboro County death records are part of South Carolina's statewide death index, covering deaths from January 1, 1915 to the present. The county seat is Bennettsville, and the county uses an elected coroner to investigate and record deaths. This page covers the Marlboro County death index, local vital records contacts, genealogy resources, and how to get certified copies of Marlboro County death certificates through the state office.
Marlboro County Quick Facts
Marlboro County Death Index Overview
Marlboro County is located in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, with its county seat in Bennettsville. The county government operates under the slogan "Moving Marlboro Forward." South Carolina's statewide death registration system began on January 1, 1915, and all Marlboro County deaths from that date are included in the state death index. The county uses an elected coroner system for death investigations, as is standard in South Carolina.
The SC DPH Death Indexes 1915-1967 include all Marlboro County entries from the start of state registration through the mid-20th century. This free database is the best first stop for genealogical research on Marlboro County deaths before 1967. For deaths after 1967, the Division of Vital Records in Columbia handles requests. The county portal at marlborocounty.sc.gov links to county departments and services.
The Marlboro County government website connects residents and researchers to county offices, community services, and vital records information in the Pee Dee region.
Marlboro County Coroner and Death Records
The Marlboro County Coroner is De'Aron "Dee" M. Smith. The direct office phone is 843-897-0117, and the county phone is 843-479-5600. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The coroner investigates deaths that occur outside of medical supervision, deaths of unknown cause, and any death where foul play is suspected. The coroner operates under SC Code Title 17, Chapter 5, which governs the powers and duties of coroners across South Carolina.
After an investigation, the coroner submits findings to the state vital records system. The coroner also issues burial-removal-transit permits for deaths requiring investigation before the body can be moved. The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies work alongside the coroner when deaths have potential criminal elements. These reports become part of the permanent Marlboro County death record.
Note: The coroner does not issue certified copies of death certificates. All certified records must be requested through the SC Division of Vital Records or the local health department vital records office.
Marlboro County Death Records for Genealogy
The SC GenWeb Marlboro County vital records page is a free online resource covering historical Marlboro County deaths, births, and marriages. GenWeb pages often include transcribed records from county sources, newspaper lists, and compiled genealogies contributed by researchers. This is a useful starting point for anyone working on Marlboro County family history, especially for records that fall outside the state index years.
The Archives.com Marlboro County vital records page is another free reference that links to available databases and genealogy collections covering Marlboro County. These third-party sources can help researchers find records that are not yet indexed in the main state system. Checking both the SC GenWeb and Archives resources, alongside the state death index, gives the broadest coverage for Marlboro County death research.
The SC GenWeb Marlboro County page provides transcribed vital records data contributed by genealogy volunteers and is a strong complement to the official state death index.
Archives.com aggregates genealogy data for Marlboro County death records and links to multiple available databases for historical research.
How to Request Marlboro County Death Certificates
Certified Marlboro County death certificates for deaths from 1915 forward are issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The mailing address is 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, phone (803) 898-3630. Requests can be placed online through VitalChek or Go Certificates, by phone at 1-877-284-1008, by mail, or in person during business hours. The SC DPH vital records portal has current application forms and processing times.
The standard fee is $12 per search or copy, with additional copies of the same record at $3 each. Expedited service costs $17. A valid photo ID is required with every request. Under SC Code Title 44, Chapter 63, only immediate family members or legal representatives may obtain certified copies of records less than 50 years old. Records older than 50 years are open to any requester.
The local Marlboro County Vital Records office is at PO Drawer 996, Bennettsville, SC 29512, phone 843-479-5613, with hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. For older genealogical records, the SC Department of Archives and History holds microfilm copies at lower cost.
| State Vital Records |
SC Department of Public Health 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 898-3630 |
|---|---|
| Local Vital Records |
Marlboro County Vital Records PO Drawer 996 Bennettsville, SC 29512 Phone: 843-479-5613 |
| Coroner |
De'Aron "Dee" M. Smith Phone: 843-897-0117 Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| County Website | marlborocounty.sc.gov |
Nearby Counties
Marlboro County is in the northeastern Pee Dee region. Death records are kept by the county where the death occurred, so verify the correct county for any record you are searching.