Tressie Jo Granger McNeill

Tressie Jo McNeill, 89, of Columbia died Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at home. Born September 22, 1936 in Cassatt, SC, she was a daughter to the late Charles and Christine Stokes Granger.

Jo was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She proudly served as a volunteer greeter for 35 years for worship and as people entered the church, she would lovingly ask – “may I have a hug” and doing this until a couple of weeks before she moved to Heaven. She also was a Deacon, a Stephen Minister, attended and contributed to Sunday School, along with years of helping to provide and serve dinners at many church functions.

One thing that she was most proud of was ministering and serving in Prison Ministry at the Kirkland Facility in Columbia for over 35 years, every Tuesday evening. Covid and health issues were the only things that ended this ministry she loved so much. She was considered royalty to the guys she served there.

Jo was married to the late Percy H. McNeill for 40 years. Surviving are her daughters, Penny Baker, Vanessa Smith, Tina Boan, Loretta Mixon (Lemuel); daughter-in-law, Lisa McNeill; and many beloved grandkids, great-grand kids, great-great grand kids, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jo was preceded in death by Christopher Douglas McNeill, Stephen Douglas McNeill, Deborah Jo Jordan and 7 siblings.

Jo will be fondly remembered for her extreme faith, love for people, her love for Sweet Pea, having a beautiful yard, cooking, homemade biscuits, baking, catering, basket making, peanut brittle at Christmas, always looking out for others, providing encouragement/optimism on many levels, sending daily text to many to include “put on your happy shoes”, sharing and teaching God’s word, being a Christian Scholar and a Prayer Warrior.

The funeral service for Mrs. McNeill will be held at 3:30 o'clock, Saturday, May 16th, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Road, Columbia, with Rev. Dr. Chris Denny officiating. Visitation will precede the service at the Church beginning at 2 o'clock. A committal service will be held at 3 o'clock, on Sunday, May 17th, at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Please click here to view the Livestream provided by Westminster Presbyterian Church

Please click here to view the Livestream of the Committal Service

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Deacons’ Fund – 1715 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the magnitude of caring, love and support thru this journey.