JoAnna (Thomy) McElveen

JoAnna Thomy McElveen, 76, of Columbia, South Carolina, died at her home on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2022.

JoAnna was born in Florence, SC, February 12, 1946, to Sonny and Pearly Thomy of Lake City. She attended Lake City Public Schools and was graduated from Lake City High School in 1964, after which she attended Winthrop College, where she studied business. There she met Martha (Summey) Woods, and they became lifelong friends.

After Winthrop, JoAnna moved to Columbia, SC, to pursue a career. She worked in public service for the South Carolina Insurance Commission until her retirement as Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner.

She was an enormously empathic person and was loved by many. Her genuine interest in others led to many close and enduring friendships, among which were many lovely, supportive and helpful neighbors, her gardener, and caregiver whom she considered extended family. JoAnna maintained a close relationship throughout her life with her brother, Vin, and they were a source of comfort and support for each other. They shared a love of plants and animals and enjoyed cooking together.

She found love and devotion in a second marriage to Fritz McElveen, also of Lake City, her husband of 15 years.

JoAnna was predeceased by her husband Fritz McElveen and her parents Pearl and Sonny Thomy. She is survived by her brother Vincent Thomy and many cousins in Lake City and Columbia.

A committal service, directed by Carolina Funeral Home, will be held on November 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at E.V. Gaskins Cemetery.

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