Anthony Diana McKissick

Anthony Diana "Toni" McKissick was born on October 30, 1954, in Cowpens, Spartanburg County, SC, the beloved daughter of the late James Henry McKissick and Francis Garrett McKissick. She peacefully departed this life on December 16, 2025, in Lexington County, SC. After several years residing in Atlanta and Douglasville, GA, Toni became a longtime resident of Columbia, SC, where she lived for nearly 40 years and built a life rooted in service, faith, and community.

Toni was raised in Cowpens, SC, and graduated from Cowpens High School in 1972. From an early age, she exhibited a quiet strength, compassion, and commitment to excellence that would guide her throughout her life.

A proud alumna of South Carolina State University, Toni earned her bachelor's degree in 1976 and was initiated into the Psi Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated during her undergraduate years. She later continued her academic journey in Atlanta, GA, earning a Master's degree in Library Science from Emory University in 1985.

Before beginning her professional career, Toni selflessly served as a devoted caregiver for both her beloved mother, Francis Garrett McKissick until her passing in 1979, and her dear uncle, George Garrett until his death in 1983. This season of sacrifice reflected the heart of a woman who, even from a young age, consistently placed the needs of others before her own.

For more than 40 years, Toni devoted her professional life to education and service. She began her career as a librarian in Douglasville, Georgia, before relocating to Columbia in 1986. There, she served with distinction at the Richland County Public Library, followed by tenures with Richland County School District One and the University of South Carolina's Thomas Cooper Library. Throughout her career, Toni impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues through her dedication to learning, mentorship, and thoughtful leadership.

Toni was a faithful Christian from a young age and attended church regularly throughout her life. She was also a faithful giver, quietly and consistently supporting many area churches and organizations. She was a devoted sister, aunt, and friend who gave sacrificially through acts of kindness, generosity, and encouragement-often helping others even during seasons when she herself was in need. Her life was marked by compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to those she loved.

Anthony Diana "Toni" McKissick's life reflected the call of Micah 6:8-to walk humbly with God, to love kindness, and to serve others with quiet faithfulness. Her legacy is one of integrity, generosity, and love expressed through action.

In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her brother, Henry Lewis McKissick; a beloved cousin, Peggie Ann Dawkins; and a special aunt and uncle, George Garrett and Earnestine Duberry Garrett.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sisters, Mary (Robert) McKissick Scott, and Judy (Clarence) McKissick Hawkins; her sister-in-law, Amanda Walker McKissick; nieces and nephews, Nkechi "Kiki" Scott, Courtney Frances (DeWayne) Scott Wright, Robyn (Ryan) Scott Cleare, Clarence "Bam" Hawkins, Jamaal Hawkins, and Amber McKissick Evans; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Ravyn and Rylee Cleare, Destin and Declan Wright; and Love Leah Evans; her beloved cousin, Brenda Dawkins Fields; and a host of other cousins and extended family. Additionally, she leaves behind close friends who became family, including Margaret Barzey, Norma Free, Joyce Dukes, and a host of other cherished friends and sorority sisters whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, kindness, and steadfast presence.

Anthony Diana "Toni" McKissick will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous spirit, intellectual excellence, classic beauty, and unwavering love for family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the knowledge she shared, and the love she gave so freely.