Obituary of Nellie Gainey

West Columbia, SC— Nellie (Nell) Williams Gainey, 87 years young, who was a long-time resident of the West Columbia area, died Tuesday the 27th of February with family by her side. She was a loving mama, grandma, and great grandma who will be missed by all.

Nellie had a passion for working and helping others. She was 82 when she finally quit working, due to health issues. She worked at W.T. Grant, as a buyer, as a manager at One Hour Martinizing, as an accounting assistant at The Parts Company, as an Avon representative for years and years, and finally as a greeter/hostess with Fatz Café in Lexington.

Nellie loved good food and socializing, especially watching the Carolina Gamecocks play. She spent many years coaching softball down at the Cayce girls’ softball fields. She was outgoing and made friends everywhere she went. Nellie had a zest for life and living it to the fullest. She was an original and one of the most kind and thoughtful ladies around. Some of her greatest passions were her children, church and cooking. She was well known for her cooking and especially the cakes she baked, which included 72 State Fair ribbons. It made her feel good to give cakes to everyone. There was always a cake in her kitchen. She especially loved her church family and the special friendships she made.

She is survived by her daughters, Janice Poston, Angel Clark (Jeff), and April Holcombe (Steve), grandchildren, Benjie Poston (Crystal), Brandon Poston, Corey Holcombe (Hollie), Holly Holcombe, Kelly Holcombe, Tyler Clark (Samantha), and Jessye Clark Dearinger (Zak). Great Grands, Bailey Poston, Kendall Poston, Blake Poston, Caroline Poston, Cooper Holcombe, Brady Holcombe, and Andie Holcombe. She is also survived by her sisters, Vivian Shull (Carroll), Betty Morris (Randy) Chris Thelen, her brother, Jim Whitten, and many nieces and nephews.

Nellie was the daughter of the late Christian Leon Whitten and Nettie Chalmers Whitten. She was also predeceased by her husband, Larry Gainey, her son-in law, Mitch Poston, her great grandson Benjamin Poston, her brothers, George Whitten, Billy Whitten, Earl Whitten, Homer Whitten, Bobby Whitten, Wayne Whitten, and her sister Doris Reaves.

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation at Thompson Funeral Home on 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29072 on Sunday, March 3, 2024, 3:00 -5:00 PM.

The funeral will take place on Monday, March 4, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2491 Emmanuel Church Road, West Columbia, SC 29170

Donations may be made in Nell’s memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in West Columbia.