Mrs. Elsie Ruth Becknell LeGrande

Elsie Ruth Becknell LeGrande, 93, was greeted home by Jesus Christ on January 22, 2023. Elsie, as she preferred to be called, was born in Columbia, South Carolina, a daughter of the late Lawrence Erskin Becknell and Cora Lee Davis. She was a graduate of University High School in 1946. She was a member of Jackson Creek Baptist Church in Columbia, SC for over 70 years where she taught Sunday School for 46 years and served as church secretary for several years. With her beautiful alto voice, she would sing in a church choir for 76 years. She also volunteered for many years with the American Red Cross. After moving to Loris, SC she would become an "honorary member" of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, SC. She delighted in reading her bible daily and would read from Genesis to Revelation many times each year. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John W. A. LeGrande; brother, John A. Becknell; and sisters, Betty Welch, Frances Rich, and Peggy Buss. Surviving are her six children; Karen LeGrande of Columbia, Steve LeGrande of Lexington, Michelle LeGrande Hawkins (Keith) of Easley, David LeGrande of Elgin, Susan LeGrande Kelley (Alvin) of Walhalla and Gayle LeGrande Steele (Chuck) of Lexington; 11 grandchildren; Kevin A. Braswell (Renee), Kerry Howard, Cory LeGrande, Kevin LeGrande, Zack Hawkins, Nick Hawkins (Grace), DJ LeGrande, Katie LeGrande, Leonard "Len" Kelley, III (fiancé Lindsay Dodd), Colby Steele (Miranda) and Dillon Steele; seven great-grandchildren; Joshua Howard, Jacob Howard, Johnathan Howard, Raegan Hawkins, Nora Steele, Ella Steele and Olivia Hawkins; precious niece, Denise Lenore and three nephews, Herman Rich, Phillip Rich and Larry Rich. Extended adopted family; like a sister, Florence Barnhill; like her own grandchildren; Paula Scheiderer, Amy Scheiderer and Ethan Scheiderer. The funeral service for Mrs. LeGrande will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 6907 SC-905, Conway, SC 29526 on Wednesday, January 25th, at 3 o’clock. The visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. The graveside service will be held at Jackson Creek Baptist Church, 7778 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223 on Thursday, January 26th, at 2 o’clock. The Rev. Mack Hutson will officiate. The family will greet friends following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to a veteran’s support group or Gideons International. Elsie also asks, now that she has passed, that we make sure she never votes democratic. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family locally. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Loris Chapel, will announce further plans.

Tributes

Mrs. Elsie Ruth Becknell LeGrande

April 17, 1929 - January 22, 2023