Henrietta Mason Gantt

1930 - 2024

Henrietta Mason Gantt

September 7, 1930 - July 19, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Henrietta Mason Gantt (Retta), born September 7, 1930, passed away July 19, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Retta was daughter of Augustus Isaac and Etta Lee Scruggs Mason of Laurens, South Carolina where she lived during her growing up years, including representing Laurens County at an annual statewide Azalea Festival. Retta was a 1951 graduate of Furman University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and an active part of Furman Singers. After graduation she taught third grade in Greenville then Darlington before moving to Columbia in 1956. She continued third grade teaching for several years at Brennan School. Along the way she had additional studies at University of North Carolina, Presbyterian College, and Columbia College.

She was married to Frederick Hay Gantt, Jr for 64 years with Columbia as their residence. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Henrietta Mason Gantt and her sister Augusta Mason Dixon. She is survived by her husband Fred, her children, Elizabeth Lee (Libby Lee) Gantt Castles (Charles Guy Castles, III) of Columbia, and Frederick Hay (Fred Hay) Gantt, III (Elizabeth Lee Blake Gantt) of St. Matthews. Grandchildren, Mason Castles Chasteen (Brandon Scott Chasteen) and children, Timothy Charles Chasteen and Henrietta Lee Chasteen of Asheville; Charles Guy Castles, IV (Kristy Richelle Castles) and daughter, Carolyn Gantt Castles of Charleston; Mary Etta Castles Able (Edward Bryan Able) and sons, Edward Kinard Able and Charles Bryan Able of Columbia; Frederick Gantt Castles (Hannah Haskell Castles) of Columbia; Robert Ray Castles (Caroline Roberts Castles) of Columbia; Clara Castles Britt (William Joseph Britt, IV) of Columbia; and Caroline Blake Gantt Payne (Bennett Carlisle Payne) of St. Matthews.

Retta was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia and was active with Sunday School for many years as an elementary teacher including tutoring ones with special needs. She was President of the Women of the Church and was recognized as a Life Member. She was a member of Thursday Bible Study, the Wednesday Lunch Fellowship, and served as a Circle leader. Along with several dear friends, flower arrangements and decorations for special events were a part of many days, plus a director for weddings in the sanctuary and recognized as Life Member of Women of the Church.

As a talented and contributing member of The Columbia Garden Club for fifty years, Retta generously and consistently shared her flower arranging skills for projects large and small, including as mentioned above, at First Presbyterian Church, the South Carolina State Museum, the State of South Carolina Governor's Mansion at Christmas, and lots more. The 1989 Garden Club year book was dedicated to her along with recognition as Life Member, as well as receiving the South Carolina State Museum Virginia Maynard dedicated service award.

Other community activities included Daughters of American Revolution, National Society of Colonial Dames, South Carolina State Museum Foundation, Columbia Junior League, Historic Columbia Foundation and committee member for annual selection of State of South Carolina Mother of The Year.

Of special note all six pallbearers (three grandsons and three nephews) as well as son Fred Hay, husband Fred, brother-in-law John and two great nephews all Eagle Scouts.

The family expresses its appreciation to Janice Coleman, for deep constant love, care and concern as Retta's personal caregiver for a number of years and has become very much a part of the family. In addition to Janice, Still Hopes and Hospice caregivers have provided much for her comfort and well being. Retta and the family have been greatly blessed by these folks.

Special thanks to each and every one.

The family will be at the Gantt residence for visitation beginning at 5:30 o'clock on Monday, July 22nd.

The funeral service for Retta will be held at 2 o'clock, Tuesday, July 23rd, in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC, with Rev. Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas and Rev. Dr. David H. Lauten officiating. Immediately following a committal service in the churchyard, a reception for guests will be in Jackson Hall.

If there is an interest in a memorial in her memory the family suggests Laurens City Cemetery, P.O. Box 21, Laurens, SC 29360; or Cemetery Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.