Evelyn C. Hane, 81, of Columbia, died Saturday, March 10, 2018. Born on September 14, 1936 in Orangeburg, SC, she was a daughter of the late Evelyn Spencer Vaughn. Evelyn was a member of the St. Matthew's Parish Episcopal Church in Fort Motte, South Carolina.

Evelyn's family moved to Jacksonville, Florida during World War II. She always remembered her years in Jacksonville fondly. After the war the family moved to Ft. Motte and later, with her mother and sister, Evelyn moved to the family home on Bridge Street in St. Matthews. She attended St. Matthews High School, where this sweet, vivacious, gregarious and beautiful teenager attracted the attention of John Keitt Hane, who also happened to be her next door neighbor. At the end of their first date Keitt invited Evelyn to sit closer, saying "Come on over". She slid closer, they kissed, and remained together until Keitt's death in 2013.

Evelyn and Keitt married in 1956 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in St. Matthews and honeymooned at Blowing Rock. They settled on Dantzler Street in St. Matthews, eventually giving life to four children.

Evelyn was a keen observer of people and she learned much from watching others. She shared her innate wisdom with her children, but never forced it on them. She was willing to admit to and learn from her mistakes. She spoke up about unfairness where she perceived it. She was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, always giving love and support, gently encouraging her loved ones to drink deeply from the cup of life, and forever thinking of ways to help others. Evelyn saw the good in everyone. She became a loving and trusted friend to countless people. She built people up, consoled them when they were down and encouraged them to pursue their passions. She was both generous and genuine in forgiveness. In her later years Evelyn stayed close to her many friends and family through Facebook, always spreading her positive energy and goodwill.

Evelyn served faithfully as choir director and Sunday School teacher. She studied the Bible and was a devoted servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Evelyn favored the simple pleasures of life – her garden, talking with her friends, a good meal in celebration of a special day, a long afternoon at home with her family. After living through a very difficult time in her childhood, Evelyn most of all sought to foster love, peace, harmony and goodwill in her family and in all those around her.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Margaret Evelyn Hane of Columbia, John Keitt Hane, III of Bethesda, Maryland, Daniel Cox Hane (Laura Handal) of Lexington, and David Guess Hane (Kelly Kooken) of Columbia; eight grandchildren, Marianna Evelyn Pretulak (Jared) of Greenville, South Carolina, Elisa Darby Hane, John Keitt Hane, IV, and Maxwell Steven Hane of Bethesda, Maryland, Emily Ann Hane of Lexington, Keitt Kooken Hane, Porter Thomson Hane and Watson Guess Hane of Columbia; along with 2 great-grandchildren, Michael Hane Pretulak and Marion Elizabeth Pretulak of Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to her mother, Evelyn was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, John Keitt Hane; a sister, Miriam Crutchfield Cason and daughter-in-law, Lisa Perea Hane.

The service for Evelyn will be held at 11 o'clock Friday, March 16th at St. Matthew's Parish Episcopal Church, 1164 Fort Motte Road in Fort Motte, South Carolina with The Rev. Janet Echols officiating. The family will receive friends at the Parish House following the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Parish Episcopal Church, PO Box 447, Saint Matthews SC 29135.