Obituary of Joan J. Lafferty

Memorial Services for Joan J. Lafferty, 75, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, 901 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC 29210.  A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m.  Memorials may be made to Columbia First Church of the Nazarene or Olympia Mill Village Museum, 1170 Olympia Ave., Columbia, SC 29201.

Mrs. Lafferty was born March 8, 1948, in Columbia, SC and passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023.  She was the daughter of the late Henry and Allie Strickland.  Joan was predeceased by her loving spouse, William R. Lafferty.  She is survived by her son, Eric (Jolene) Jenkins; three grandchildren, William Riester, Maigan Jenkins, and Andrew Jenkins; two sisters, Claudia Preston and Carol Copeland; and two brothers, Lester (Becky) Frier and Frank (Rachel) Strickland.

Joan attended Olympia schools kindergarten thru high school graduation in 1966.  She participated in many activities including holding various class offices.  During her professional career, she worked for the Tennessee Tax Commission and the University of South Carolina from which she retired due to the onset of Meniere’s Disease.  Even though the disease prevented Joan from participating in many activities, she would not allow it to limit her ability to help others.  She organized a support group for others that were suffering from Meniere’s Disease, leading monthly meetings, and ensuring that participants had access to the information and care they needed.

Joan loved to travel; especially trips to Europe and Hawaii, as well as, many trips to the beach and mountains with her sisters.  She was also a lifetime member of Columbia First Church of the Nazarene and was very active in the music ministry.  Additionally, Joan actively supported single adult ministries at the church.

Music was one of her dearest passions and she was a talented singer.  In addition to being an accomplished solo singer, Joan regularly sang in a trio with her sisters.  As children, they sang for numerous commercials; including, the Slinky Toy jingle and a promotion for the state of South Carolina.

Joan never met a stranger and went out of her way to provide care and support to whomever was in need.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.  She was a devout Christian and loved her Lord and Saviour.  She will be deeply missed by her family and all that knew her.