Ms. Nancy Marie Moody

Nancy Marie Moody of Columbia, SC, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, after a brave struggle with cancer. Nancy was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on August 18, 1945, to William A. and Estelle A. Moody, and grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She graduated from Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later earned a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Carolina. “Toots” as she was known to her family, spent her early years as a Counselor with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She then developed a program at Richland Memorial Hospital for patients learning to live with cancer. Nancy then ran a beautiful gift shop, Sawgrass, in downtown Columbia for several years with her best friend, Phyllis Dennis. When they closed Sawgrass, Nancy parlayed her gift of counseling and care for others into a distinguished career working with the victims of crime in the 5th Circuit Solicitors Office, from which she retired in 1999 as the Director of the Victim/Witness Unit. Retirement never suited Nancy so she started a new career as Associate Probate Judge for Richland County. During her tenure, she also served as a member of the Midlands Committee of the South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Nancy served as a Member of the Commission on Prosecution Coordination, co-founded the Solicitors’ Victim Advocates Forum and was a member of the Policy Committee, Division of Victim Assistance in the Governor’s Office. She was a Visiting Professor at the University of South Carolina in the Department of Criminal Justice and the National Advocacy Center. For over twenty years, Nancy shared her professional expertise through lectures and panels about Victim and Witness laws, programs and history and Crisis Intervention across the community, including at the National Advocacy Center and for the Moscow Police Department. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nancy owned Nancy M. Moody, LPC, LLC., Mental Health Counselor and Mediator. Nancy also worked tirelessly as a guardian ad-Litem for elder and vulnerable adults. She was also a Certified Family Court Mediator, and a Certified Crises Responder. The world has lost an invaluable counselor who spent her life committed to the service and business of improving the lives of others. One of Nancy’s greatest passions was Rotary. Some of her best friends and best trips were from 30 years in Rotary. As a member of the Five Points Rotary Club, Nancy served in many leadership positions and served as its President during the club’s 40th anniversary year, 1994-95. On the District level, Nancy also served in many capacities which lead to her becoming Assistant Governor, then District Governor. Nancy was a Paul Harris Fellow, a Sustaining Paul Harris member, a Ten-star Rotarian, a Benefactor, a member of the Bequest Society and a Major Donor. Always the student, Nancy was constantly learning. She started with scuba at a young age and enjoyed learning any new skill that would be required for a great trip or a fun adventure. She became a Master Naturalist in her 70’s, through USC. She travelled the world enjoying snow skiing, scuba diving, camping, cruising and, most importantly, engaging with and being interested in everyone she met. Nancy was devoted to her loving family and attended Beach Weeks, ski trips and family reunions every year. Her many loyal friends will always treasure time at Lake Murray, Litchfield, Boyd Mountain Cabins & Carolina tailgates at Nancy’s Rotary “Perfect Spot!!” Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her brother-in-law Ron Short, and her nephew Brian Moody Survivors include her sister, Dorothy Moody Short, of Huntersville, NC. Her brother, William A. Moody, Jr. (Audrey) of Charleston, SC; Nieces and Nephews; Alison Moody Johnson (Tom), Brantley Moody (Julie) & Brian’s wife, Maribeth Fordyce Moody, all of Charleston, SC; Kathy Lamb McCoy, of Davidson, NC & Robert Lamb (Pam) of Spring Hill, TN; Nancy had 20 great nephews & nieces by birth and marriage and 1 great-great niece. Nancy is also survived by her Godson, David Shand Estefano. A celebration of the life of the Honorable Nancy M. Moody will be held at the Palmetto Club, 1231 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201, at 10 a.m. on October 15, 2022. A reception will follow until 12 noon. Burial will be in Waynesville, NC on June 24, 2023 at the Boyd/Moody Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Robert Walker will officiate both. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Shives Funeral Home. A livestream will be available at the time of the service at ShivesFuneralHome.com under "Current Webcast." In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the William Brian Moody Foundation at www.wbmoodyfoundation.com or 4 Paddington Cir, Charleston, SC 29407, or Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201. The family would like to thank SCOA and Prism Hospice for their loving care for Nancy during her cancer journey.

Tributes

Ms. Nancy Marie Moody

August 18, 1945 - September 27, 2022