Louise LeVonne Combs McCoy

COLUMBIA Mom peacefully went home to be with Daddy after a brief illness on Sunday, May 29, 2016, on their 68th wedding anniversary. She was born on August 1, 1928 in Yale, Oklahoma, living her entire childhood there among a loving family and friends. She was always musically gifted, had perfect pitch, and started playing the piano at the age of 3, playing for their church services and civic functions from the 7th grade on, and earned a piano scholarship to OSU in Stillwater, Okla. Mom and Daddy met at the wedding of their siblings and five years later they married! After college, Daddy returned to the U.S. Air Force and they were stationed across the nation, as well as in Tokyo, Japan. Mom loved playing bridge, reading, and traveling. The family began trailering in the early 1960’s in Alaska – new adventures! She lived and/or traveled in all 50 states and instilled the love of travel in all of us. Her last two trips were this past Christmas and in April, playing Christmas carols for the family reunion, and returning for a wedding. She was predeceased by her parents, Grace and Charlie Combs of Yale; her husband of 48 years, Leland Barton McCoy; her brother and sister-in-law, Estill and Doris Combs of Tulsa; her sister and brother-in-law, Nathalee and Vernon McCoy of Tulsa; her son-in-law, Thomas Dobson of Savannah; and her granddaughter, Heather Dobson of Savannah. She is survived by her daughter, Cyntha Dobson of Columbia; her daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Dan Powers of Scottsdale; her grandson and his wife, Stephen and Cindy Dobson of Savannah; her granddaughter and husband, Lynn and Shawn Padgett of Irmo; her great-grandson, Ashe Bollinger of Savannah; her great-granddaughter, Lila Padgett of Irmo; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews from coast to coast. She was an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church over the past 30+ years as a Stephen Minister, sang in the chancel choir, played the piano for her Sunday School class, and rang handbells. She and Daddy also began the church Christmas retreat in the 1980’s with a few couples from their Sunday School class, where they led the music and started a wonderful tradition. Upon their retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1969, they moved to Columbia and grew to love the Southeast. She joined the Newcomers Club, moving into the Settlers Club and served in each office through the years, and also began bridge groups, enjoyed the book clubs and antique clubs. She lived a very full and loving life and touched the hearts of everyone who knew her with her love of God and his creations. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, with a reception immediately following the service in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers and food, the family sincerely requests donations be made in her memory to the Eastminster Presbyterian Church Music Fund, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.