Joann Marie Stretz, 81, of Columbia, died on Friday, September 13, 2024. Born on December 27, 1942, in Columbia, SC, she was a daughter of the late Joe and Ruth Elizabeth Neeley Courtney. Mrs. Stretz enjoyed playing golf, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband. Mrs. Stretz was an avid fan of the USC Gamecocks and the Kansas City Chiefs football teams. Most of All, she loved to spoil her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughters, Pamela Marie Pendleton of Columbia and Susan Yelenic of Columbia; grandchildren, Ashley Wilds (William), David Mosser, Jennifer Yocum (Jesse), George Yelenic (Tiffany), Kenneth Yelenic (Krystal), Jessica Yelenic, and Danielle Yelenic (Reed Walker); 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Sally Shealy (Tony) and Kay Bartholomew (David); Neice, Kimberly Divley (Lee); nephew, Matthew Bartholomew; as well as a great nephews and a great niece. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Stretz; great grandson, Elijah Wilds; and son-in-law, Andy Yelenic.

The memorial service for Mrs. Stretz will be held at 4 o'clock, Wednesday, September 18th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.

The family will receive guests prior to the service beginning at 3 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.