Elizabeth Elkins McEachin of Florence, SC, died on Thursday, February 7, 2019 after an illness. She was predeceased by her husband of sixty-eight years, Daniel M. McEachin.
She was born in Hartsville, SC, the daughter of Virginia Hanahan Elkins and Paul Jem Elkins. She was predeceased by her brother Paul Jem Elkins, Jr. and her sister Rebecca E. Lewis.
She is survived by her son, Daniel Malloy McEachin, Jr. (Amy), and her daughter, Margaret M. Gates (Dennis). She is survived by five grandchildren, Samuel G. Gates, FitzLee H. McEachin (Erin), Peter H. McEachin (Paige), Amy M. Buchanan (Will), and Daniel M. McEachin, III. She is also survived by four great grandchildren, Margaret M. McEachin, Mary Lawrence M. McEachin, F.L. Doran McEachin, and Louisa Penn Buchanan.
She graduated from Hartsville High School and Coker University. After graduation she spent a long and productive life in Florence, SC. As her mother before her, she taught school for many years as a substitute teacher.
She was an avid fisherwoman and fished the high seas with her husband. She was an athlete, playing tennis until late in life. She played bridge without signals or hand signs. She and her husband tripped the light fantastic from the mountains to the sea.
She was a constant gardener whose yard over flowed with camellias and azaleas. She was a member of the Heritage Literary Club and the IRIS Garden Club. She was a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and The Assembly of Florence. She clothed her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in sweaters and smocks made by her hands. She was devoted to the work of St. John’s Church (formerly St. John’s Episcopal Church). She served on the Altar Guild, participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry, knitted handmade blankets for newborns, and participated in innumerable church bazaars.
The family thanks the staff of McLeod Hospice for their palliative care.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 10, 2019 at St. John’s Church, 252 S. Dargan Street, Florence, SC. with interment following at Mount Hope Cemetery, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home. Serving as pall bearers are Stuart Ames, Joseph Carson, Haigh Porter, Duncan Tyson, Hugh Willcox, and Benjamin Zeigler.
The family will receive friends at her home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Church, McLeod Hospice House or the charity of one’s choice.