Nancy Jane Chandler Papas
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COLUMBIA, SC - A funeral service for Nancy Jane Chandler Papas, 86, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, followed by a makaria, "reception" in the church hall. Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, August 29, 2021 in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Serenity Gardens.
Mrs. Papas died Sunday, August 22, 2021 at home with her family by her side. Born on August 2, 1935, she was a daughter to the late Leona Preston and William L. Chandler of Anniston, Alabama.
Mrs. Papas moved to Columbia, SC in the early 1950's and became employed at Johnny's Columbia Drive-in Restaurant where she met owner and her future husband, the late John Papas Jr. They raised three sons, Rickie John Papas, John Papas III and Simeon Preston Papas. After a fire destroyed the Columbia drive-in, the couple opened the Star Drive-in located in front of the Starlite Drive-in theater on Crowson Road and Jackson Boulevard in Columbia, SC current location of Whole Foods today.
In 1969, the Papas family opened Geno's Pizza House at 2772 Rosewood Drive and operated the restaurant till the early 1980's at which time they semi-retired and enjoyed spending time with their children and eventual grandchildren. Mrs. Papas was an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and a member of St. Katherine's Ladies Philoptochos Society. Nancy could be found volunteering at the annual Greek Festival from the very first year. Mrs. Papas loved music and dancing. She and Mr. Papas placed first at a dance contest in their earlier years while vacationing in Charleston, SC. Mrs. Papas was a very hard worker and never responded she no longer worked. Mrs. Papas obtained her South Carolina Real Estate license when she was 70 years young and worked as an executive sales representative full-time for her son, John Papas III, at Security Realty Monday through Friday literally turn key to turn key.
Mrs. Papas is survived by a brother, William L. Smelcher; her sons, John Papas III (Amy) and Simeon Preston "Sandy" Papas; daughter-in-law, Crystal Papas; granddaughters, Nicolette "Dia" Papas-Barefoot (RC) and Georgia Maritsa Papas.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Rickie John Papas, her brother, Preston Wayne Chandler and sister, Kay Diana Hale.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1931 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or St. Katherine's Ladies Philoptochos Society.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com