Rena Harwood

Rena Susan Harwood (née Williamson), age 69, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, in Clover, South Carolina. Born on October 11, 1956, in Elmira, New York, Rena lived a life marked by compassion, resilience, and an enduring love for her family and faith.

Raised in the Northeast, Rena completed her high school education in Tioga, Pennsylvania. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in the medical field. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) III credential and became certified in medical coding. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable—she completed numerous college courses and embraced learning as a lifelong journey.

Rena's professional life was defined by her deep commitment to caregiving. She worked in a variety of healthcare settings including nursing homes, neonatal units, and emergency rooms. Her role as a CNA III brought her immense fulfillment, and she often reflected with pride on the lives she touched through her work. Even before her stroke left her disabled, Rena continued to provide one-on-one care with great dedication and heart.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rena was a woman of strong faith and personal conviction. Though not affiliated with a church at the time of her passing, she worshiped God faithfully from the comfort of her home and always felt spiritually connected to the Baptist church. Her belief in God was a guiding light throughout her life.

Rena found joy in simple pleasures—watching television, browsing social media, and spending time with those she held dear. She adored animals and found comfort in their presence. Travel brought her happiness; she especially loved visiting the beach and the mountains—places she fondly referred to as her happy places.

A devoted collector of family memories, Rena cherished photographs and mementos that told the story of her life and those she loved. Each item held meaning and sparked stories that she delighted in sharing. Her outspoken nature was matched only by the sincerity behind it—she spoke from the heart with the intention of helping others.

Rena is survived by her loving husband, Brian Harwood; two daughters, April Root ( fiancé Diondra Allen) and Hope Tuttle; seven grandchildren: Dalton Spake (wife Page Spake), Darius Allen (wife Hannah Allen), Donovan Allen, Joseph Woody (fiancé Brooke Deal), Victoria Musselman (husband Cody Musselman), Christian Medina, Cadence Woody, and Corine Woody; eleven great-grandchildren; sisters Cheryl Miller and Rita Robbins; brothers Willie Power and Robert Williamson; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and additional in-laws who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her mother Rena Hickey; stepfather Joe Powel; Father , Robert Williamson SR, foster parents Audrey Fuller and Jack Fuller; and foster brother Wayne Fuller.

Rena's legacy is one of unwavering love, compassion for others, and strength of spirit. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched—with every shared story, every photo revisited, and every moment spent remembering her kindness.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.