Jolene Lander

NEWBERRY — Jolene Smith Lander, 87, died peacefully in her home on Monday, November 7, 2022, surrounded by love. Jolene lived an extraordinary life full of service to others.

Born on October 30, 1935, in Greenwood, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Charles David Lumpkin Smith and Ruby Odell Twitty Smith.

While in high school, she met the love of her life, James "Jim" A. Lander, and in 1952 the two married. She quickly became a dedicated Army wife, supporting her husband through a military career of U.S. Army active duty and service in the S.C. National Guard. All the while creating a loving home, raising seven children and holding down the home front while her husband was deployed. She continued to support and dedicate her time to Jim's second career as a S.C. State Senator and Comptroller General.

Jolene was courageous and fun. In addition to her role as homemaker, traveling across the nation with kids in tow, she was also a career woman. In her early years, she worked for the Sears and Roebuck catalog department, often being interrupted by her children while fulfilling orders on the phone. Later, she was the office manager for a hypnotist which reinforced her belief in the power of positive thinking. For many years, she worked as a bank teller at Bankers Trust serving her community. Always looking out for others, when approached by a bank robber her first response was, "Son, are you sure you want to do this?"

Jolene was a woman of faith and a member of First Baptist Church in Newberry. She loved her God and had a heart for giving back. She was an active volunteer for Newberry County's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization, promoting Red Ribbon Week. Each year, she helped raise funds for veterans, active military, and their families through her work with the American Legion Auxiliary and the Poppy Program. Jolene also supported young women in learning leadership and citizenship through her efforts with the Auxiliary's Palmetto Girls State program. She was a volunteer at the Newberry County Council on Aging (NCCOA).

She never met a stranger; she shared laughter and stories with everyone and always greeted people with a smile. She enjoyed her politics, attending events and supporting her candidates. She was a member of Garden Clubs and Bridge Clubs, and she treasured the time of fellowship and fun. It is quite fitting her favorite flower was a magnolia, which represents a love for nature, nobility, perseverance, and dignity. She made life-long friendships and was especially close to Margaret Brackett, Lorraine Paris, and Mollie Graham. She always looked forward to outings with "the Bank Ladies."

The same loving and charismatic energy she used to greet others, welcomed many into her home which became a warm welcoming place for family and friends. There everyone was loved, regardless of differences.

Above all else, Jolene loved her family unconditionally. She could be strict when necessary - correcting your use of prepositions, reminding you to take your vitamins, or perfecting your posture. She was nurturing and loving when needed, singing songs such as "Jesus Love the Little Children," serving up a 'mean grilled cheese' and the best cinnamon sugar toast in the world, or simply scratching your back and tickling your arm to help you relax. She was involved in the activities that were important to her family. As a "band mother" she went on numerous high school band trips and sold countless chicken for fundraisers, each week she volunteered to serve lunch at the Newberry Academy, and she was a volunteer for the Newberry High School Beta Club. Whether strict and teaching, or laughing and loving, she built into her family helping each one become the "best version of you, you can be."

Jolene, Jo. Mama. Grandmother. Little GG. Her yard was full of magnolias, her heart full of love, and her life full of strength. She will be truly missed.

Jolene is survived by her children, Britt Snelling (Howard) of Fort Mill, Leslie Orr of Newberry, Gail Floyd (David Lewie) of Lexington, Jeannie Brehmer (Henry) of Kinards, and LTC (Ret) David Lander (Kim) of Fort Mill. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who she helped raise, Shannon Beckham Berley (Will) of Prosperity, Andrew Beckham (Nichole) of Blair, and Samuel Beckham (Courtney) of Spartanburg; a sister, Sandra Jean Collins; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and her chosen special family friend, Kathy Sadler.

In addition to her parents and husband of 68 years, she was predeceased by her daughters, Terrie Lander Duffy and Vickie Lander Beckham; and sister, Bonnie Gail Molasko.

A special thank you to all of her caregivers, especially Janis Gary, Margaret Ruff and Brenda Floyd, Hospice of Laurens County, Dr. Michael Bernardo and her long time doctor, Dr. Tom Bradberry.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, November 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Memorials are suggested to the James A. Lander Scholarship Fund at Lander University, www.lander.edu/give or to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, madd.org/southcarolina/.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.