Obituary of LORETTA LOVE

Loretta Young Love, 55, passed away on October 29, 2010, finally losing her battle with cancer. First diagnosed with this disease in February 2008, Loretta showed an amazing strength that few will be able to emulate, working through radiation and chemotherapy treatments with a smile for everyone. A graduate of Columbia Beauty School, and a licensed Cosmetologist for nearly thirty eight years, Loretta was steadfast in her service to others. She was last employed at Forest Lake / Focus on Hair salon, and had been in that same location for twenty-five years, working through September 9, 2010. In addition to her work in the salon, Loretta had volunteered her time on a weekly basis for almost twenty years at HealthSouth Rehabilitation hospital, offering Cosmetology services to the patients there, only stopping when diagnosed with cancer herself. She also had clients whom she visited regularly at John Dorn Veteran?s hospital. Because she wasn?t one to join associations and enter competitions, Loretta didn?t have trophies standing or plaques hanging on walls. She used her skills, instead, to literally touch lives of others in her own quiet manner. Loretta is survived by her daughter Sandra Smith, and grandchildren Dalton and Jessica, along with her loving husband of more than twenty-seven years, Carlton Love. Also left behind are her mother Rosa Jackson with partner Joseph Brock, father Bud Young, Jr. with partner Shirley Spencer, parents in-law Newby and Patty Love and her four sisters Elaine Rich, Debra Montondo, Lisa Beaty and Gloria Smith, with their spouses and children. Although taken too quickly from life, Loretta was given the gift of being able to say goodbye to her family and friends. She will remain in our hearts forever, and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Pets, Inc. P.O. Box 6394 West Columbia, SC 29171 (300 Orchard Dr. W. Columbia, SC 29171) 803-407-8093, or to the American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 or www.Cancer.org (128 Stonemark Lane Columbia, SC 29210).