Edwina Ann Carns, 79, of Columbia, died Monday, May 29, 2023. Born November 2, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia, she was a daughter of the late Edwin and Rose Falbo White. Mrs. Carns was a graduate of The University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1979 and in 1992 she completed her Master of Science degree in Health Education. She enjoyed a successful career in the Columbia area that spanned more than four decades. During this time, she was employed as a health educator for Baptist Medical Center, followed by wellness program director and corporate giving director for Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company. Edwina then went to work for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce under a federal grant to establish partnerships between businesses and under-performing schools. She finished her career working for the Alston Wilkes Society as the Director of Human Resources.

Mrs. Carns was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church for nearly 50 years where she enjoyed serving as a senior high youth leader in the 1980's. She was also a volunteer for Harvest Hope Food Bank and Brennen Elementary School. Mrs. Carns was a member of the Columbia Rotary club and a graduate of the Leadership Columbia program. She loved to travel, garden, and spend time outdoors walking, hiking, and cycling with her beloved husband, Bucky. Their cycling team, the OddSpokes, participated in many events around the Carolinas, resulting in fond memories, tall tales, and other embellishments.
Edwina was known as 'Nina' to her four grandchildren and loved spending time with them, teaching them to bake cookies and sew, and could always be found cheering them on at various sporting events and other endeavors. She gave generously of her time, her love, and her laughter. She was always ready for a new adventure, especially if it involved good food, good wine, and good company.

Survivors include her husband, Walter M. (Bucky) Carns; daughters, Kirsten Lee Hindes of Athens, GA, and Marcy Hindes Swan (John Rodney) of Columbia. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Elijah Robert Swan, Kathleen Elizabeth Swan, Lane Meredith Swan, and Zachary Hindes Swan; as well as her sisters, Carolyn Sue Tyler (William) of Aiken, SC, Jennifer White Dineen (Jack) of Waxahachie, TX, and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service for Mrs. Carns will be held at 11 o'clock, Tuesday, July 18th, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC.

Her family will receive friends immediately following the services in Thompson Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.