Obituary of Thomasine Gatlin Shuler

West Columbia- Thomasine "Tommie" Gatlin Shuler, 79, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2014. A resident of Springdale, Tommie was born in Bonneau, SC and raised in Berkley County. She graduated from Macedonia High School and the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing. Her career of over 40 years included employment with the Dept. of Health and Environmental Control and the Dept. of Mental Health. She retired as a nursing supervisor at Bryan Psychiatric Hospital. Tommie was married to the late Reverend Dr. Claude M. Shuler. Together they served churches in North Charleston, West Columbia, Columbia, Beaufort, Hartsville, Pacolet, Greer and Spartanburg. She was an active member of each congregation, and often assumed leadership positions. At her most recent church home, Platt Springs UMC, she was named United Methodist Women of the Year. A lifelong gardener, she was known for her colorful flowers and ferns. She also enjoyed traveling with her sisters. She also enjoyed the company of her two cats, Maney and Libby. Tommie was a compassionate, loving, kind woman who valued her family, friends and church. She was gracious and appreciative. She will be missed by all. She was predeceased by her husband; parents, Greely and Mabel Gatlin; two sisters, Ida Mae Edens and Virginia Patz; three brothers, Robert Gatlin, Russell Gatlin and Clinton Gatlin. Surviving is her son, Dr. Mark Shuler (Allynnore Jen) of Parkton, MD; daughter, Kay Ornelas (Dr. Robert Ornelas) of Lexington; grandchildren, Michael Ornelas of West Columbia, Zachary Shuler of Parkton, MD and Kyle Shuler of Parkton, MD; sister, Thelma Shurlknight of Macedonia Community; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the following caretakers; Michael Ornelas and friend Ione Waide and also extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Carroll Campbell Place, especially to Michelle, Wilma, Sandra and Carly. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Platt Springs UMC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 1:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow at Southland Memorial Gardens. Reverend Becky Shirley will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Platt Springs UMC, 3215 Platt Springs Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170.