Mrs. Denise Davis Thackston, 79, of Columbia, SC, entered her Heavenly rest on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Born August 2, 1946, in Darlington, SC, she is the daughter of the late Caleb Bruce "C.B." Davis, Sr. and the late Ruth White Davis and is the sister of Caleb "Bruce" Davis, Jr.

Professionally, Denise spent approximately 30 years working with excellence in bookkeeping and payroll positions. Yet, her lasting and most beautiful legacy is how she lived and loved as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, etc. She was a faithful member of Capital City Baptist Church, Columbia, SC.

Denise is deeply cherished by and was devoted to her family and friends. In spite of health challenges, her caring spirit was seen in her kindness, encouragement, listening ear and wise counsel, sense of humor, and the joy of time spent with the people she loved. She will be missed with profound gratitude for the gift that she has been to this world.

Denise's life reflected the tenderness, forgiveness, and mercy of God. Her ultimate passion was for all to know His grace in their lives, as she had experienced in her own. For nearly 40 years, she made small gift bags (which included a note about her personal life in Christ) and gave them to the countless people she encountered, in prayerful hope that their faith would rest in Jesus, as well.

Survivors include her devoted husband of 46 years, Munro Thackston (and beloved sisters-in-law, Jane and Bitsy); daughter, René Hannus (Rob); son, Don "Trip" Gaw, III (Michelle); stepson, Randy Thackston (Connie); stepdaughters, Teresa Hogan (Devin) and Hope Kelly (David); grandchildren, Don "L.D." Gaw, IV, Aaron Hannus (Anna), McKailey Lara (Andre); step grandchildren, Sabrina Thackston, Janna Padilla (Karlos), Chelsea Romero, Austin Barsch, Hanna Keene and Alexander Keene; step great-grandchildren, Rylan Thackston, Miles Padilla and Jemma Padilla; nephew, Caleb Davis, III (Haley) and niece, Jamie Davis.

The service to honor Mrs. Denise Thackston's life, officiated by Pastor Paul Monroe, will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, 3 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home - Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, SC 29223. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 2 o'clock until 3 o'clock. Burial, officiated by Pastor Bryan Hunt, will follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29201.