Mrs. Renvie Elizabeth Jeffcoat

COLUMBIA - Renvie Elizabeth Stokes Jeffcoat, 92, passed from our sight but not our hearts, June 18, 2009. Mrs. Jeffcoat was born in Sumter, S. C., on Christmas Day 1916. She was the eldest child of Henry Carison and Carrie Lou Westbury Stokes. Renvie was from a generation of Southern Women who focused on family and faith. She ran a tight ship, giving her best, and expecting the same from her family. She was affectionately referred to as ‘Magnolia’ by certain family members and was known as ‘Great Mama’ because Great Grandmother was too much for a toddler to handle. During her life time, she stayed involved with her church; in younger years, she was active in leading the women’s efforts; in later life she focused on enjoying the wonderful sermons, music, and fellowship of her last church – First Presbyterian. Her faith was ever abiding and strong. She went gentle into that good night, secure in the knowledge of the joyous welcome to come. Having come of age during the Great Depression, Renvie believed helping those less fortunate was an essential part of leading a Christian life. Renvie was married for 62 years to the late Beauregard D. Jeffcoat. They met when her family moved to Florence, S.C. - he was the ‘young man across the street’. Together they raised a family of four and until the end – there was never a dull moment. Renvie was a long time member of Circle #8 at First Presbyterian Church, Aza-Mellia Garden Club and the UDC – Wade Hampton Chapter. She is survived by her children, Pam Bailey (Richard) of Pittsburgh, Pa, Janice Poteat (Gary) of Yorktown, Va, Gail Jeffcoat of Columbia and John Jeffcoat (Marianne) of Irmo; grandchildren, Scott Poteat (Barbara) of Newport News, Va, Shannon Benna (Michael) and Jeff Bailey (Nicole) of Pittsburgh, Pa, David and Ryan Jeffcoat of Irmo. She was ‘Great Mama’ to her great-grandchildren, Travis and Zachary Poteat and Libby and Nick Benna. Also surviving are her sister, Joann Stokes-Smith of Charleston; two brothers, Dalton Stokes of Columbia and Russell Stokes of McCormick. Her loving caregivers were Beverly Scott and Henrietta Reed both of Columbia. She is predeceased by her brothers, Hazel and Roy Stokes of Florence. Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, Florence, SC at 4:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Poteat, Richard Bailey, Scott Poteat, Jeff Bailey, David Jeffcoat and Ryan Jeffcoat. Visitation will be Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor Street, Columbia SC 29201, The Salvation Army, 2025 Main Street, Columbia SC 29201 or to a charity of one’s choice.