Annie "Laurie" Derrick Bouknight, wife of the late Cromer Darr Bouknight, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Laurie was born in Columbia on December 19, 1929, to the late Ernest Dewy Derrick and Minnie Irene Ross Derrick.

She graduated from Columbia High School. Before starting a family, she enjoyed working at the telephone company as a switchboard operator. Most of her life was selflessly dedicated to loving her husband and raising their three daughters. She lived a life of sacrifice, always thinking of others before herself. You could not leave her house without carrying something with you. If not food, it was a smile on your face and a merry heart.

She greatly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; telling life stories, singing songs, playing cards, etc. Many old songs are etched in the minds of her loved ones and will continue to be passed down for future generations.

Although not an active member for many years, she was a lifelong member of Ascension Lutheran Church. Over the years she enjoyed working with children and celebrating many occasions including the marriages of her daughters.

Her life touched many who will never forget the way she welcomed them with much love, kindness and generosity. She will be missed by so many.

She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Ernest Dewy Derrick Jr. (Mary), Herbert Joseph Derrick, and Gary Ross Derrick (Lucy). Surviving are her three daughters, Jennifer Darr Newton (Sonny), Nancy Irene Potter (Larry), and Laurie Ann Johnson (Jeff); eight grandchildren, Amy Maddox (Chad), Carrie Schick (Eric), Kristin Watts (T.J.), Corey Potter (Ashley), Scott Johnson (Bryn), Patrick Potter, Caleb Potter (Taylor), Hannah Potter; twelve great-grandchildren, Katie Johnson, Chevy Johnson, Taegan Watts, Ashlyn Watts, Grace Maddox, Olivia Maddox, Harper Maddox, Hudson Schick, Tyler Schick, Claire Potter, Blythe Potter, and Blaise Potter. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Frances Derrick and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly and thought of often.

The funeral service will be held 2 o'clock, Tuesday, December 27th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Interment will follow in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1 o'clock.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the American Lung Association of SC, 1817 Gadsden St., Columbia, SC 29201.