Obituary of Eloise Hornsby Rankin

"Another angel joined God's kingdom." Eloise Hornsby Rankin passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2013 after a brief illness at Providence Hospital, Forest Drive. Born Monday, April 6, 1941, in Camden, SC, she was a daughter of the late Clarence E., and Hattie D. Hornsby. She was retired from the South Carolina National Guard Armory where she was affectionately known as, "E." She was a delight to her co-workers, and will be dearly missed. One of Eloise's most favorite tasks was managing the Armory's football parking each year. She was an avid Gamecock fan and had attended many games over the years. She was a member of the Gamecock Club and the SC National Guard Federal Credit Union Association. She never missed a get to together. Over the years she volunteered many hours and also had a special place in her heart for veterans. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was always ready to assist with the Veterans Day Parade. She volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce and at many voting precincts throughout the years. Mrs. Rankin was a member of the Red Hat Society. She will be greatly missed by her grandson, Taylor, who was the love of her life. She was most recently resided at Forest Pines Assisted Living and was adored by the staff and residents there. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Col. George Rankin; son, Kenneth L. Gardner; sister, Jewel H. Price; two brothers, Kenneth D. and Chalmers E. Hornsby. Mrs. Rankin is survived by her daughter, Donna Gardner; grandson, Taylor Gardner; sister, Emily Lucas (Jones); brother, Joe Hornsby (Ruby); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 P.M., on Monday, August 26, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209, with Pastor Terry Cagle officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.