JoAnna Thomy McElveen
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JoAnna Thomy McElveen, 76, of Columbia, South Carolina, died at home on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2022, of natural causes.
JoAnna was born in Florence, SC on February 12, 1946, to Sonny and Pearl Thomy of Lake City. She attended Lake City Public Schools and graduated from Lake City High School in 1964. After high school she attended Winthrop College where she studied business. There she met Martha (Summey) Woods and they became lifelong friends.
After Winthrop, JoAnna moved to Columbia, SC, to pursue her career. She worked in public service for the South Carolina Insurance Commission until her retirement as Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner.
She was an enormously empathic person and was loved by many. Her genuine interest in others led to many close and enduring friendships, among which were many lovely, supportive, and helpful neighbors whom she considered extended family. JoAnna maintained a close relationship throughout her life with her brother Vin. They were a source of comfort and support for one another. They shared a love of plants, animals and also enjoyed cooking with each other.
She found love and devotion in a second marriage to Fritz McElveen, also of Columbia and Lake City, her husband of 15 years.
JoAnna was predeceased by her husband Fritz McElveen and her parents Pearl and Sonny Thomy. She is survived by her brother Vincent Thomy of Asheville, NC, and many cousins in Lake City and Columbia.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to JoAnna's gardener, caregiver and the family and friends who have provided support over the years.
Her care has been entrusted to Caughman Harman Funeral Home in Lexington, SC.
Memorial Services will be private with the immediate family. The family requests that no flowers be sent, rather, please consider a donation to a favorite charity in JoAnna's memory.