Obituary of Mary Jane Elrod

Mary Jane “Janie” Elrod, 77, of Columbia, SC passed away September 30, 2019 at her home of 55 years. She was born in Charleston on January 30, 1942 to the late Joseph Robert Sowers and Sarah Elizabeth Tucker Sowers.

She graduated from Lower Richland High School On June 1, 1961. On June 2, 1961 married her grammar school sweetheart, Bucky. Janie was a member of Greenlawn Baptist Church since 1953. She was a dedicated employee of Richland County School District 1 for more than 30 years. Janie loved shopping, gardening, cooking and baking, but most of all she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She attended every dance recital, school play, and sporting event.

Janie is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Andrew Aaron Elrod Jr., her children, Cynthia Gayle Elrod Clough (Pete) and Robert Andrew Elrod (Marie); four grandchildren, Sarah Anne Clough Hardin (Jonathan), Emily Jayne Clough, Dillon Andrew Elrod and Zachary Thomas Elrod and two great-grandchildren, Lilly Anne Clough and Wells Davis Hardin; a sister, Elizabeth Sowers Barkman; and brother, James Robert Sowers(Carol) and two sister-in-law’s, Carol Elrod Player (Edwin) and Marguerite Sowers and countless nieces and nephews. She was also survived by Rescued Furbaby, Charlie.

Janie is preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Allen Sowers.

The family would like to thank Hospice Care of SC for all of their loving dedication. They would also like to thank Jeanne Harmon for all her love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greenlawn Baptist Church, 6612 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Greenlawn Baptist Church, 6612 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 11:00 am with Pastor Terry Cagle presiding.