May 29, 1921 – June 13, 2018
Lellan Jumper Smith, 97, of Blythewood, SC, widow of Reginald U. Smith, passed away on June 13, 2018. Born on May 29, 1921 in St. Matthews, SC, she was the daughter of the late Vandy Saylor and Carrie Tate Jumper. At age five, Lellan moved with her family to the small town of Miley in Hampton County, SC, and completed her formative years there.
After graduating from Brunson High School in 1938 and Columbia College in 1942, Lellan began a public school teaching career in Williamsburg County, SC at Williamsburg High School, continued at North High School (during World War II) and Blaney High School, and finished at Blythewood High School. She concluded her teaching career at Wildewood Academy in Northeast Columbia. For many years, she taught high school math to all the children of the Blythewood community; her specialty was Algebra.
An active member of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority, Lellan served as president for two years. In addition, she was an enthusiastic member of the Richland County Retired Teachers Association. After retiring, Mrs. Smith enjoyed quilting and traveling with friends from Trinity UMC.
Mrs. Smith was a faithful member of Trinity UMC in Blythewood where she served as financial secretary for ten years. Prior to her death, she was both the oldest member and the member of longest standing at Trinity. Lellan was a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class and was active in the United Methodist Women and the Ruby Brown Circle. She enjoyed participating in the activities of the Hillclimbers (senior adults) and singing in OASIS Choir (Older Adults Serving in Song).
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Nell Smith Trussell and son-in-law, Gene Trussell, of Lexington, SC; one grandson, Ed Trussell, of Lexington, SC; sisters, Zelda Jumper Boney of Blythewood, SC and Nell Jumper Cooke of Rock Hill, SC; sister-in-law, Marjorie Jumper, of Swansea, SC; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Reginald U. Smith (“Rabbit”), brothers, Kelly Jumper, Ralph Jumper, Winslow Jumper, Frank Jumper, and Phil Jumper; sisters, Analda Jumper Harrell and Carolyn Jumper Williams, and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Agape Senior, Carolina Gardens at Lexington and Wellmore of Lexington for their care and friendship during “Mrs. Lellan’s” last years, as well as Agape Hospice House in Lexington for their care during her final days.
Services for Mrs. Smith will be held at Trinity UMC, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood, on Monday, June 18th at 2 o’clock with interment following at Oak Grove UMC Cemetery in Swansea, SC. Prior to the service, visitation will begin at 1 o’clock in the sanctuary, and a light reception will follow the graveside service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Trinity UMC, PO Box 864, Blythewood, SC 29016, or to the cemetery fund at Oak Grove UMC, 303 Oak Grove Rd., Swansea, SC 29160.
Lellan Jumper Smith will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and child of God. Praise the Lord for a long life and one well-lived!
Obituary Information:
Columbia, South Carolina
Page 17
Additional Photos:
May 29, 1921 – June 13, 2018