Obituary of Annie Ruth Tinsley

Annie Ruth Campbell Tinsley, 86, was received into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 4, 2020, after a brief illness at home. She was surrounded by loving family members and has now joined her many loved ones who have gone on before her. Her earthly family will hold visitation at 11am on Friday, November 6, with a homegoing service at noon in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home with subsequent burial to follow across at Greenlawn Cemetery. To participate via livestream, please click here a few minutes prior to the service.

Mrs Tinsley was born on May 14, 1934, in Columbia, SC, to John and Lorna Doone Green Campbell. She was raised by her now deceased parents on “Wheeler Hill” and on Bluff Road as one of ten children. In her late teens, she married the love of her life, Julius Benjamin Tinsley (d), on October 20, 1951. After several years of traveling with him across the country in his service to the United States Army, they made their home back here in Columbia where they went on to establish a very successful family plumbing business. It was during this time that they came to have and raise three beautiful daughters, and along the way take in a niece and nephew as their own.

Annie Ruth was a true family matriarch and angel on Earth. To know her was to truly love her as she exuded love to all around her. She was the “glue” that held her family together so many times. She was known by many titles, but she truly treasured being a grandmother the most. From Granny to Gran-Gran to Amber to Grannie Ruth, each of her grandchildren and great grands had their own endearing name for her.

She is survived by two of her daughters, sons-in-love and grandchildren: Julie Anne and Bill Schumpert (Will Schumpert and Cheryl Geddings), and Susan Jayne and Alpod Williams (Shelley Lamar and Lacey Barfels). She was preceded in death by her daughter Frances Dale Rhoney (Lorna Brooks and Calvin Rhoney). Also left to honor her memory is her bonus daughter, Barbara Parks, and son, Harry Tinsley. She also leaves behind eight great grandchildren that cherished her just as much as she did them: Dylan and Meadow Geddings; Campbell, Tinsley, and Hayes Lamar; Sadie Barfels; and Tripp and Reed Brooks.

Annie Ruth also leaves behind two siblings: Howard Campbell of Columbia, SC, and Margaret Tuttle of Green Cove Springs, Florida. She was preceded in death by her sisters Frances Davis and Pauline George, as well as five of her brothers: Bubba Campbell, Curtis Campbell, Tommy Campbell, Harvey Campbell, and Fred Campbell.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and respect to the many healthcare members who contributed to making Mrs Tinsley’s last days here with us as comfortable and pain free as possible for her. Our admiration for the work and personal attentiveness of Martha Parker Hester, MD, cannot fully be expressed in words. The staff from Amedisys Hospice will always hold a special place within our family, and we want to recognize the dedication of staff members Dell and Janet.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone desiring to recognize the memory of Annie Ruth, please do so by making a donation to Pine Bluff Baptist Church, 1025 Pineview Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.