Monica Anne DeHihns Rook

Monica Anne DeHihns Rook passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2023, after a seemingly endless battle with renal cell carcinoma. She faced many challenging treatments and setbacks in her journey, but she overcame each so she could spend as much time as possible with her daughters and granddaughter.

Monica was born to Lee and Lucille DeHihns in Columbia, SC, on November 25, 1954, Thanksgiving Day, an appropriate holiday for someone who was always thankful for life’s many blessings. She graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in 1973, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the basketball team, as well as an excellent student. She earned a BS in Business from the University of South Carolina in 1977. One of her first jobs was as a court reporter for the Honorable Harold R. Boulware, a man she greatly respected. After moving with her husband to multiple states, she returned to Columbia in 1998, and joined the faculty at Crayton Middle School, where she worked until her retirement in 2021. She earned an M.Ed in Instructional Technology, also from the University of South Carolina becoming one of the school district’s early Technology Instructors and subsequently earned National Board Certification in Instructional Technology. Her colleagues at Crayton remember her ever present kindness, endless patience and loyal friendship.

Monica is predeceased by her parents and her sister Margaret Nauful, who died January 20, 2023. She is survived by her daughters Katie McGranahan (Hale), of Columbia, and Jessica Levy (Nick), of Austin, Texas, and granddaughter, Emmaline Levy. Her daughters never doubted their mother’s loving devotion, or her joy in being Mae Mae to Emma. She also leaves a brother, Lee DeHihns (Ellen), of Marietta, GA, and sisters Mary Lu Dalton (Rod) and Geralyn Swygert (Mark), both of Columbia, SC., as well as many nieces and nephews. All of whom will forever remember Monica’s tenacity and fortitude throughout her illness.

Monica was a tremendous mother and a highly regarded educator with a sweet disposition and a sneaky sense of humor.

The funeral Mass for Monica will be celebrated Saturday, April 29, at 11 AM, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. A visitation will be held Friday, April 28, from 4-6 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Chapel.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St Thomas More Catholic Church (via mail at 1610 Greene St Columbia, SC 29201 or www.stthomasmoreusc.org) or to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center (https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/giving) in appreciation for the great care Monica received there.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedevine.com for the Rook family.