Obituary of Willie Louise Rhymer Lovett

Willie Louise Rhymer Lovett, 93, of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Born on November 8, 1927 in Cliffside, NC, the oldest of five children born to John Abram Rhymer and Blanche Gamble Rhymer.

Willie Louise attended Harris High School, where she lettered in basketball. During that time, Willie Louise was offered a modeling job in New York City, which she turned down. She then met the love of her life, Oscar Durwood Lovett, who proposed to her three times before she said “yes”. Willie excelled at being a military wife and mother, who “changed diapers in every state”.

She & Oscar settled in Columbia in 1971. She worked at Tapp’s as a buyer for the boys’ department and retired in 1984.

Willie Louise is survived by her daughter, Marguerite Knox (Raymond); son, John “Ricky” Lovett, Sr.; grandchildren: Deryl, Cozy, Charlie, Nicholas, John, Adam, Lisa, Bethany and Erin; 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Lee Lovett, Jr.; very special neighbors & friends: Melba Blevins, Johnny Cooley, Jay & Ruth Altemus, Kathy Mustard, Vachel & Jeannie Jones, and Greg & Tammie Edmonds; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Along with her parents and Oscar, her beloved husband of 38 years, Willie Louise is also predeceased by daughters, Lynn Hill and Cindy Gilbert; sisters, Sarah Early, JoAnne Butler, and Carolyn Rhymer; and brother, Thomas “Tommy” Rhymer.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 4:00pm at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home. A private burial will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center by clicking the following link https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50809435/ or by calling (803) 776-4000 extension 6780.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.