Mary Elizabeth Haynes Elkins, 89 of Columbia, South Carolina having lived a long and honorable life passed away on May 19, 2016.

Mary was born in Gaffney, South Carolina on August 10, 1926. She graduated from Gaffney High School. She was married for 23 years to Leroy L. Elkins who preceded her in death. Mary worked for more than 30 years for the Richland County School System. She was a member of Jackson Creek Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and always put her faith and family first. Mary enjoyed drawing, cooking, sewing, reading the Bible and South Carolina Gamecock football. She loved spending time with her family and her many rescued animals.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Judy Mizell (Eddie) and Jennifer Shearer (Ron) of Charleston, South Carolina, Yvonne Elkins of Farmington, New Mexico and Cheryl Smith of Lexington, South Carolina; sons, Samuel Elkins (Elizabeth) of Maryville, Tennessee, Clifton Elkins (Karen Nelson) of Chesnee, South Carolina and David Elkins of Lexington, South Carolina; 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Charles H. Spurgeon Haynes of Rutherford, NC and Hester Idabelle Ross Haynes of Blaney, SC.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The funeral service for Mrs. Elkins will be held 3 o'clock, Saturday, May 28th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, with Rev. Dr. Walter M. Burriss officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends Friday evening at the funeral home from 5 until 7 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Southern Baptist Missions or to Jackson Creek Baptist Church, Columbia, SC.

The family of Mary Elizabeth Haynes Elkins wishes to thank the nursing staff of the 11th floor of Palmetto Health Richland for their skillful and gentle care of our mother during her stay.