Mildred Inez Smith McElveen, widow of J. Earl McElveen, Sr., died at home July 21,2012 after a life lived well for almost a century. She is survived by her daughter Carolyn McElveen Small and her husband R. Lephon Small, of Florence SC; and by her granddaughter Caroline McElveen Small and her husband Andrew LaFollette, of College Park, MD. She was predeceased by her husband, her son John Earl McElveen, Jr. (J.E.), and her daughter Charlotte Anne McElveen. They were devoted to her and she to them.
Born October 25, 1914, she was the daughter of David Luther Smith and Arlene Baker Smith of the Hebron Community in Williamsburg County. Her sisters, Irene Baker, Dolly McElveen, Viola Smith, and her brother Liston Smith preceded her in death.
Mrs. Mildred was a gracious lady, strong of heart and stout of spirit. Her soft-spoken words and tender manner muffled her strong will and determination. At age seven, with her mother out of the house, she took out the sewing machine and made doll clothes all afternoon. Her two daughters would later wear pretty dresses made by their mother. She quilted with her husband's mother and sisters and did needlepoint, crocheted beautiful afghans, and knitted for her children. She enjoyed early twentieth century family and church activities and took advantage of the educational opportunities she had. She was valedictorian of her class. She married her beloved Earl in 1936 and was his life's partner in farming and business. She was involved in the day-to-day operation of a general store, garage, and car sales. She was the keeper of the books and records for both the businesses and farms. Together, they worked and played and taught their children by example to love God, each other, and their fellow human beings. She was happiest when her family was together -- at home or traveling -- and that joy extended into her children's adult lives. Soon after Carolyn married, they made a trip to New Orleans and initiated the new son-in-law into life on the road with the McElveens.
Mrs. Mildred had a deep and abiding faith. As a child, she worshipped in Hebron Methodist Church. As an adult, she attended Olanta Baptist Church with her husband and children. In 1955, she and two of her children, Charlotte and J.E. joined the Olanta fellowship together. She was faithful in church attendance, Sunday School, and WMU and was known for her "special dishes." In the final months of her life, her devotion to Jesus was a constant theme of her conversation as she sang the old hymns of the faith and quoted scripture in prayerful gratitude to God. This reflective review of her life and faith is a precious legacy for her family.
She appreciated every act of kindness shown to her by her extended family and friends. She was blessed with good care from her caregivers and medical staff. She and her family are grateful for the care, compassion, and friendship, and we thank you for making her life brighter and more comfortable.
Funeral services will take place at Olanta Baptist Church, Olanta, SC, on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., with interment at the church cemetery on Park Avenue. Friends may call at 951 Clarendon Avenue, Florence.
Memorials may be made to Olanta Baptist Church, PO Box 188, Olanta SC or to McLeod Hospice House, PO Box 100551, Florence SC 29502.
Born October 25, 1914, she was the daughter of David Luther Smith and Arlene Baker Smith of the Hebron Community in Williamsburg County. Her sisters, Irene Baker, Dolly McElveen, Viola Smith, and her brother Liston Smith preceded her in death.
Mrs. Mildred was a gracious lady, strong of heart and stout of spirit. Her soft-spoken words and tender manner muffled her strong will and determination. At age seven, with her mother out of the house, she took out the sewing machine and made doll clothes all afternoon. Her two daughters would later wear pretty dresses made by their mother. She quilted with her husband's mother and sisters and did needlepoint, crocheted beautiful afghans, and knitted for her children. She enjoyed early twentieth century family and church activities and took advantage of the educational opportunities she had. She was valedictorian of her class. She married her beloved Earl in 1936 and was his life's partner in farming and business. She was involved in the day-to-day operation of a general store, garage, and car sales. She was the keeper of the books and records for both the businesses and farms. Together, they worked and played and taught their children by example to love God, each other, and their fellow human beings. She was happiest when her family was together -- at home or traveling -- and that joy extended into her children's adult lives. Soon after Carolyn married, they made a trip to New Orleans and initiated the new son-in-law into life on the road with the McElveens.
Mrs. Mildred had a deep and abiding faith. As a child, she worshipped in Hebron Methodist Church. As an adult, she attended Olanta Baptist Church with her husband and children. In 1955, she and two of her children, Charlotte and J.E. joined the Olanta fellowship together. She was faithful in church attendance, Sunday School, and WMU and was known for her "special dishes." In the final months of her life, her devotion to Jesus was a constant theme of her conversation as she sang the old hymns of the faith and quoted scripture in prayerful gratitude to God. This reflective review of her life and faith is a precious legacy for her family.
She appreciated every act of kindness shown to her by her extended family and friends. She was blessed with good care from her caregivers and medical staff. She and her family are grateful for the care, compassion, and friendship, and we thank you for making her life brighter and more comfortable.
Funeral services will take place at Olanta Baptist Church, Olanta, SC, on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., with interment at the church cemetery on Park Avenue. Friends may call at 951 Clarendon Avenue, Florence.
Memorials may be made to Olanta Baptist Church, PO Box 188, Olanta SC or to McLeod Hospice House, PO Box 100551, Florence SC 29502.
Mildred Inez Smith McElveen, widow of J. Earl McElveen, Sr., died at home July 21,2012 after a life lived well for almost a century. She is survived by her daughter Carolyn McElveen Small and her husband R. Lephon Small, of Florence SC; and by her granddaughter Caroline McElveen Small and her husband Andrew LaFollette, of College Park, MD. She was predeceased by her husband, her son John Earl McElveen, Jr. (J.E.), and her daughter Charlotte Anne McElveen. They were devoted to her and she to them.
Born October 25, 1914, she was the daughter of David Luther Smith and Arlene Baker Smith of the Hebron Community in Williamsburg County. Her sisters, Irene Baker, Dolly McElveen, Viola Smith, and her brother Liston Smith preceded her in death.
Mrs. Mildred was a gracious lady, strong of heart and stout of spirit. Her soft-spoken words and tender manner muffled her strong will and determination. At age seven, with her mother out of the house, she took out the sewing machine and made doll clothes all afternoon. Her two daughters would later wear pretty dresses made by their mother. She quilted with her husband's mother and sisters and did needlepoint, crocheted beautiful afghans, and knitted for her children. She enjoyed early twentieth century family and church activities and took advantage of the educational opportunities she had. She was valedictorian of her class. She married her beloved Earl in 1936 and was his life's partner in farming and business. She was involved in the day-to-day operation of a general store, garage, and car sales. She was the keeper of the books and records for both the businesses and farms. Together, they worked and played and taught their children by example to love God, each other, and their fellow human beings. She was happiest when her family was together -- at home or traveling -- and that joy extended into her children's adult lives. Soon after Carolyn married, they made a trip to New Orleans and initiated the new son-in-law into life on the road with the McElveens.
Mrs. Mildred had a deep and abiding faith. As a child, she worshipped in Hebron Methodist Church. As an adult, she attended Olanta Baptist Church with her husband and children. In 1955, she and two of her children, Charlotte and J.E. joined the Olanta fellowship together. She was faithful in church attendance, Sunday School, and WMU and was known for her "special dishes." In the final months of her life, her devotion to Jesus was a constant theme of her conversation as she sang the old hymns of the faith and quoted scripture in prayerful gratitude to God. This reflective review of her life and faith is a precious legacy for her family.
She appreciated every act of kindness shown to her by her extended family and friends. She was blessed with good care from her caregivers and medical staff. She and her family are grateful for the care, compassion, and friendship, and we thank you for making her life brighter and more comfortable.
Funeral services will take place at Olanta Baptist Church, Olanta, SC, on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., with interment at the church cemetery on Park Avenue. Friends may call at 951 Clarendon Avenue, Florence.
Memorials may be made to Olanta Baptist Church, PO Box 188, Olanta SC or to McLeod Hospice House, PO Box 100551, Florence SC 29502.
Born October 25, 1914, she was the daughter of David Luther Smith and Arlene Baker Smith of the Hebron Community in Williamsburg County. Her sisters, Irene Baker, Dolly McElveen, Viola Smith, and her brother Liston Smith preceded her in death.
Mrs. Mildred was a gracious lady, strong of heart and stout of spirit. Her soft-spoken words and tender manner muffled her strong will and determination. At age seven, with her mother out of the house, she took out the sewing machine and made doll clothes all afternoon. Her two daughters would later wear pretty dresses made by their mother. She quilted with her husband's mother and sisters and did needlepoint, crocheted beautiful afghans, and knitted for her children. She enjoyed early twentieth century family and church activities and took advantage of the educational opportunities she had. She was valedictorian of her class. She married her beloved Earl in 1936 and was his life's partner in farming and business. She was involved in the day-to-day operation of a general store, garage, and car sales. She was the keeper of the books and records for both the businesses and farms. Together, they worked and played and taught their children by example to love God, each other, and their fellow human beings. She was happiest when her family was together -- at home or traveling -- and that joy extended into her children's adult lives. Soon after Carolyn married, they made a trip to New Orleans and initiated the new son-in-law into life on the road with the McElveens.
Mrs. Mildred had a deep and abiding faith. As a child, she worshipped in Hebron Methodist Church. As an adult, she attended Olanta Baptist Church with her husband and children. In 1955, she and two of her children, Charlotte and J.E. joined the Olanta fellowship together. She was faithful in church attendance, Sunday School, and WMU and was known for her "special dishes." In the final months of her life, her devotion to Jesus was a constant theme of her conversation as she sang the old hymns of the faith and quoted scripture in prayerful gratitude to God. This reflective review of her life and faith is a precious legacy for her family.
She appreciated every act of kindness shown to her by her extended family and friends. She was blessed with good care from her caregivers and medical staff. She and her family are grateful for the care, compassion, and friendship, and we thank you for making her life brighter and more comfortable.
Funeral services will take place at Olanta Baptist Church, Olanta, SC, on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., with interment at the church cemetery on Park Avenue. Friends may call at 951 Clarendon Avenue, Florence.
Memorials may be made to Olanta Baptist Church, PO Box 188, Olanta SC or to McLeod Hospice House, PO Box 100551, Florence SC 29502.
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