Obituary of Fannie Mildred Gunter

At the age of 98, Mrs. Gunter went home to be with her heavenly Father on March 26, 2021. Born in Aiken County, SC, on November 5, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Wilmon and Nolie Jackson Starnes. She was a loving, caring and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC, since 1964. She is loved and cherished by many and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Gunter retired in 1959 from Swift Packing Company (SC) after 22 years. Over the following 3 decades, she served as a childcare provider for infants and preschoolers at Hallmark, Children’s Center, and Rocking Horse Day Care (West Columbia), where she was affectionately known as MeMe.

At some point, Mrs. Gunter’s grandchildren began affectionately calling her Meno, which was eventually adopted by other family members. She had a unique sounding and contagious laugh that was part giggle and belly laughter. Her homemade biscuits and salted pork chops were legendary. She enjoyed growing flowers and gardening, trips to the mountains, knickknacks, gospel music and strong Biblical preaching. The way in which she often fumbled through all the grandchildren’s names before getting the name right and then immediately apologizing was endearing and quite funny.

Although a woman of small stature, her demonstrated love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and long-suffering throughout her life, have served as a larger-than-life example to those that knew her. She grew up during the Great Depression and World War II and was a two-time cancer survivor who also endured many additional health, family and personal challenges. Through the ups and downs, she remained optimistic and positive and unwavering in her belief, love and trust in God and devotion to her family.

Mrs. Gunter is survived by her daughters, Mildred Edna Von Eschen of West Columbia, SC, and Maidelene Gunter (Jerry) Carter of Florence, SC; grandchildren James ‘Jamie’ Charles (Gail)  Knight of West Columbia, SC, Jeffrey Lance (Crystal) Knight of Lexington, SC, Jerry Chance (Kimberly) Carter of Livermore, CA, Jerry Lance Carter of West Columbia, SC; great grandchildren William Lucas (Tarrin) Knight and James Adam Knight, both of West Columbia, SC, Tearsa Lynn Knight Senn of Lexington, SC, Kyndal Nicole Carter, Kaylan Tyler Carter and Chance Kallen Carter of Livermore, CA; great-great grandchildren, Hunter Wesson Senn and Scarlett Katherine Senn of Lexington, SC, Sophia Paisley Knight and William Cooper Knight of West Columbia, SC.

She is predeceased by her brothers Aaron Luther Starnes and Clyde Owens Starnes and son-in-law William G. ‘Bill’ Von Eschen.

Thompson Funeral Home located at 4720 Augusta Road in Lexington, SC, will be assisting the family during this difficult time. There will not be a formal visitation, but you may pay your respects in person at Thompson Funeral Home between the hours of 12pm to 5pm on Monday, March 29, 2021. Family and friends may also sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.

There will be a graveside service only beginning at 11am, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Celestial Memorial Gardens on 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia, SC. Masks and social distancing will be required.

The family would like to thank the Amedisys Hospice team (Florence, SC) and especially nurse Brooke Creel, for the loving care provided to Mrs. Gunter and her family.