Obituary of Katie Tarnay

Obituary for Katie Graham Tarnay

Katie Graham Tarnay, 95, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away July 17, 2023, at Agape House of Lexington in  Lexington, South Carolina. She was born on February 20, 1928, in Loris, South Carolina to the late Lucian and Rosie Lee (Hathaway) Graham.

Katie was strong in spirit and equally strong in her will.  She had a wonderful smile and could light up a room.  Katie was a wonderful homemaker and mother.  She worked tirelessly to support and raise her children.  Katie took jobs as a seamstress, clothing store clerk, and even a weaver in the textile manufacturing industry to provide for her family.  Later in life, she became a real estate agent in Hawthorne Florida, successfully providing homes to the ever-growing population of the state.  Katie was also a member of the Women's Club of Hawthorne and a faithful member of the Hawthorne United Methodist Church, serving on many committees.

Katie is survived by a son, J Kerry McCumbee (Sabrina) of Summerton, SC, and a daughter, Stephanie Collier (Covy) of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by grandchildren: Tracina Schmaus (Chad) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jason Black (Amy) of Palatka Florida, five great grandchildren, Ethan, Makinsey, Corey, Trace and Emory.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Charles Tarnay, a daughter, Joanne McCumbee Black, a sister Marie G Fowler and a brother B. Shelton Graham.

Graveside services will be at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens, on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM.  The family has requested that memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com