Elizabeth Smiley McShane

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 3, 2022 at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street in Columbia.

Elizabeth was born in Columbia, SC to James and Elizabeth Smiley on March 1, 1968. She lived on the Isle of Palms most of her life until starting school at the College of Charleston. When the Exxon Valdez disaster occurred, she made her way to Alaska to help with the oil spill. She fell in love with the state and finished her education at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Elizabeth eventually made her way back to her true home, the South. She married her husband, Richard McShane, in 1999 and they lived in Columbia the rest of her life.

Elizabeth was a high school Chemistry teacher. She was devoted to her students, especially those on the margins, and they were her real lifelong passion. She was vivacious and effervescent, leading most people to call her by her maiden name, Smiley. She had a penchant for strays, both animals and humans. Her infectious smile and engaging personality will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and students.

Elizabeth is survived by her parents, James “Jim” and Elizabeth “Betsy” Smiley of the Isle of Palms, and an older brother, James “Jimbo” Smiley. She also leaves behind her beloved husband, who will be taking care of her adored pets, her dog, Hank, and her cats, Tuesday and Monkey.