On the night of the Blood Moon, May 16, 2022, Elvira R. Wemmer rode into heaven on the "Lunar Eclipse Express" after a wonderful life. She leaves behind her daughters Diana W. Stevenson and Yvonne W. Van Slyck, sons-in-law Hal W. Stevenson and Nicholas H. Van Slyck, her grandchildren Alexander W. Stevenson (Rebecca K. Stevenson), Hannah R. Stevenson (Joshua G. Madsen), Noelle D. Stevenson (Molly K. Ostertag), Grace Y. Stevenson, Jacob W. Stevenson (Gracie H. Stevenson), Sophia G. Van Slyck, Jackson E. Van Slyck, Charles P. Van Slyck, and great grandchildren Calvin W. Stevenson, Francis A. Stevenson, Ada M. Stevenson and Lucy J. Madsen. She is pre-deceased by her late husband, Ottmar R. Wemmer, her brother Misael Robayo Alvarez, and her sister Ismenia Robayo Alvarez de Garzon.

She loved family gatherings, traveling, flowers, and gardening. In addition, she was an official Spanish translator in the SC Courts which spurred many humorous conversations. She always spoke of life in Colombia, stories of her youth and how she met Otto in New York. Born on July 20,1936 in Bogotá, Colombia, Mrs. Wemmer was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eliecer and Hortensia Robayo. She graduated from the Ateneo Femenino de Bogotá with a degree in Education Administration as an Institutora. Later she graduated from the Banford Academy of Beauty Culture in New York City, married Ottmar (Otto) R. Wemmer and moved to Columbia, South Carolina on a honeymoon and a basket of peaches.

Mrs. Wemmer became a naturalized American citizen on December 1,1966. Congratulations were sent from then Senators Ernest Hollings and Strom Thurmond, the latter who wrote "American Citizenship for most comes as a birthright, but I have always felt that perhaps some of those who acquire it by naturalization come to appreciate it even more. I hope this may be the situation in your case." Indeed it was, Elvira Wemmer was a very patriotic citizen knowing first hand the freedoms offered here in the United States.

A dedicated wife and mother, she was also an avid tennis player and loved nothing more than to be with her tennis girls. She contributed to her community by serving as President of the Sandlapper's Women's Club. As a breast cancer survivor, she and the SWC raised funds to build an outdoor gazebo for recuperating patients at Providence Hospital. In addition, she served backstage as make-up artist for many annual Ice Shows of the Rockbridge Country Club.

Most importantly, Mrs. Wemmer loved the Lord Jesus and was a committed member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as a Circle Leader and Missions Chairwoman. She could always be found at numerous services, events and luncheons.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Monday, May 23, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. Visitation and a Celebration of Life immediately following in Jackson Hall. Memorials may be made to the Senior's Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.