Mrs. Joan M. Savage

May 20, 1938 - December 1, 2020

Joan Savage, 82, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2020, in the company of her family. She was born on May 20, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia, a daughter of George and Enid Milton and grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Joan graduated from Salem College, did graduate work in chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill, and earned her Master’s degree in management from Central Michigan University. She had a long and rewarding career working as a medical technologist in Columbia area hospitals. Joan was married to Tom Savage for 58 years. A natural caregiver, she was a volunteer foster parent to many newborn infants while she raised her own young children. Joan was strong, humble, gentle and, above all, generous – often sending small gifts of love to her friends and family and quietly helping many people in need. She loved hiking in the mountains, identifying wild plants, gardening, and travelling around the world. A pillar of her adult life was the loving community of St. John's Episcopal Church in Shandon, where she worshiped for over 50 years and made many of her dearest friends. Joan will be deeply missed by her daughter, Deborah, and son-in-law, Tim; her son, David, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie; her beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Leah, Mari, and Noah; and her sister, travelling companion, and best friend, Susan. A private memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church followed by an inurnment in the church columbarium. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Memorial Fund, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2827 Wheat St., Columbia, SC 29205, or to the Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, One Still Hopes Dr., West Columbia, SC 29169, or by an act of charity or kindness to a stranger in need.