Reba Duncan Mims, 95, of Columbia, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Born in Loris, SC, she was the middle child of five, daughter of the late Andrew Burroughs and Bertha Long Duncan. She was pre-deceased by her husband of forty years, Paul Wilson Mims; her son, Gerald Eugene Mims; and her daughter, Judy Mims Cummings. She is survived by her son, Paul Wilson Mims, Jr. (Joan), and daughter, Joan Mims Creed (Richard); four grandchildren: Gene Mims, Derek Mims (Laurie), Mims Creed Goza (Andy), and Tucker Creed (Mary Beth); 10 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.
After receiving her education from Horry County Schools, she obtained an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Columbia Commercial College in Columbia, SC. Mrs. Mims worked in the South Carolina Court system for over 28 years, beginning with her appointment as the first Assistant City Clerk for the City of Charleston, SC, in 1962. She joined the South Carolina Supreme Court as the Personnel and Finance Officer in 1965. In 1968 she was appointed and served as the first Deputy Clerk of the South Carolina Supreme Court until her appointment as First Clerk of the newly created South Carolina Court of Appeals in 1983. She remained in this position until her retirement on December 31, 1993.
Active in Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, Columbia, she taught in the Children’s Department for many years and served on many committees of the church, including service as Associate Sunday School Director on three occasions, Associate Training Director, and secretary of the building and renovation campaign. She was instrumental in building and developing the homebound visitation program.
Mrs. Mims’ dedication to the community included being a long-time volunteer at Town Theatre, board member of Helpline, and service on various committees of Capitol Senior Center. As a charter member of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks, she also served and chaired many of the committees, hosted the 1989 conference, and was the recipient of the conference’s J.O. Sentell Award in 1992, presented annually to one member for distinguished service.
Mrs. Mims’ family is thankful for the support and love of an incredible matriarch who will be greatly missed following her 95 years of life in service to all who knew her. The family appreciates the kind support and care provided by Ranada Care, LLC, and Heart for Hospice during her final days.
A memorial service for Mrs. Mims will be held at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 2:00pm, with visitation immediately following the service. Burial will be private for the family in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, 4205 Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29206; to CAMP KEMO Programs, Prisma Health Richland, 7 Richland Medical Park, Suite 203, Columbia, SC, 29203; or to a charity of your choice.
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