Elizabeth Sanford Zeigler of Columbia, South Carolina, died suddenly on the afternoon of June 30, 2022, having collapsed while walking her dog, Goose.
Elizabeth was born on May 17, 1988, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Belton Townsend Zeigler and Katharine Manning Zeigler. She attended St. John Neumann and AC Moore Elementary Schools before attending the Sandhills School, a school for children with learning differences. She graduated high school from the Pine Ridge School in Burlington, Vermont. Returning to Columbia, she worked as a volunteer for the Trinity Learning Center of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral while pursuing a Certificate in Early Childhood Education at Midlands Technical College, which she received in May 2008. Elizabeth served as hallway supervisor and floater at Trinity Learning Center from 2008 until her death. She loved "her kids" and they loved "Miss Lizzy."
Elizabeth was active as a mentor in the Trinity youth program and volunteered in the parish nursery. She was a member of the Northeast Columbia Aktion Club, a service club sponsored by the Kiwanis Club for adults with special needs where she served as Secretary Treasurer.
Elizabeth is survived by her parents, her siblings Mr. B. Townsend Zeigler, Jr. (Lauren) of Columbia; Dr. Sanford Manning Zeigler (Susanna) of Charleston, South Carolina; Grandmothers, Mrs. Elizabeth Sanford Lane and Mrs. Bee Kalmbach Manning; aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Burwell Deas Manning III (Chappy); Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rogers Ellerbe (Helen); Mr. and Mrs. Robert Yates Knowlton (Nina); Ms. Meredith Manning and Mr. Robert Erving Stepp; Dr. and Mrs. Ethredge Myron Barwick (Lucy); Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Turner Zeigler (Belle); Mr. and Mrs. Robert Watson Cooper (Lynn); and Mr. William Tennent Manning; three nieces, two nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.
Elizabeth's greatest achievement was overcoming the limitations of Grieg's syndrome to become an active and beloved contributor to the Trinity Learning Center, Trinity Cathedral, and her city. She let no adversity overwhelm her. Affectionately known as "Little Boss" and the "Queen of Hugs," Elizabeth had an immense capacity to love and expressed love exuberantly through her sunny spirit, engagement with others and keen sense of humor and irony. She brought tremendous joy to all who knew her. Her guts, grit and gusto carried her gracefully through a life fraught with many challenges. Never one to complain, speak ill of another or to disappoint, she left the world a better place, having been here for too short a time. She will be sorely missed by the many people and furry friends who loved her.
In addition to being a beloved teacher at Trinity Learning Center, Lizzy spent her earlier years as a camper at Camp Merri-Mac in Black Mountain, NC and as an active, enthusiastic student at Pine Ridge where she received the School Spirit Award upon graduation. Never one to miss a party, she loved family gatherings, holidays, vacations, lunches with friends and all things Broadway and Disney. She never missed an opportunity to tell you about the children she so loved at Trinity.
The family will receive visitors from 5:30 to 7:30 on July 5, 2022 at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Barwick, 4825 Kilbourne Road, Columbia. The Burial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at 11:00 on July 6, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Trinity Learning Center, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 771-7300. But the greatest tribute is to live as Lizzy lived, to choose to be happy, to spread joy wherever you go, to see the best in those around you and to care for everyone especially the youngest and the least of them.