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I think this is the same Annie Laurie Cockfield who married Ernest McElveen and had a son named James Davis “Jim” McElveen, if not, then the son listed to them is not in the correct place. The son’s obituary follows. jkh
James Davis McElveen
James "Jim" Davis McElveen LAKE CITY - Mr. James "Jim" Davis McElveen, 90, passed away peacefully August 26th, 2012. Jim was born December 25th, 1921 in Lake City to the late Ernest McElveen and the late Annie Laurie Cockfield McElveen. A consummate Southern Gentleman, he was a lifelong Presbyterian, humanitarian and entrepreneur. During high school, Jim worked for W. Lee Flowers and Co., wholesale grocers in Lake City. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served over three years with the 98th Infantry Division in the Pacific during World War II, including the occupation of Japan. In 1946, Jim married his boyhood sweetheart, Mary Sue Britton, of Kingstree, and resumed work at W. Lee Flowers. In 1955, he moved into grocery retailing and over a span of fifteen years, opened five IGA Food Stores in Lake City, Scranton, Turbeville and Olanta. Jim also owned and operated several convenience stores and snack bars in these towns. Jim was always generous with his time and eager to help others. He led many fund raising campaigns for charities and for building or refurbishing churches. At the age of 80, Jim raised the funds for, and helped construct, a boardwalk through the scenic riverbank at the Presbyterian Community of Columbia. Over the years, he was a mentor and friend to many young people and always made time for them. Most satisfying to Jim was helping many of his employees and their families buy homes, often financing them himself and, as he retired, Jim helped his store managers buy the store they were managing. In 1973, Jim was President of the South Carolina Food Retailers and named South Carolina Grocer of the Year in 1981. In Lake City, he was Commander of the American Legion Post and President of the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. Jim served on the Lake City town council from 1962-1969. During his term of office, Jim was in charge of the fire department. The firefighters affectionately called him "Fire Dad." He was Chairman of the Florence County Industrial Commission in 1975. After moving to Columbia, Jim was active in the Lexington Rotary Club, and became an honorary member in 2009. Jim was an active and committed church member. He was a Deacon and Elder of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Lake City. Jim and Mary Sue were instrumental in establishing new Presbyterian churches in Belle Isle (Berkeley County) and Santee, South Carolina. Jim's surviving family includes his daughter, Susan M. Powell, and her husband, Dr. O. H. "Hank" Powell, of Columbia; his son, Dave McElveen, and his wife, Jean McElveen, of Tallahassee, Florida; and his grandson, Michael H. Powell, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jim is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Mary Sue Britton McElveen; his brother, Harold "Pat" McElveen; and his sister, Aileen Martin. Committal and burial services for Jim will be privately held in Lake City. He will once again be in the arms of the love of his life, his beloved wife and mother of their precious children, Mary Sue. Jim's children will greet friends from four until six o'clock p.m., Thursday, August 30th, 2012, in the Tapp Dining Room of the Presbyterian Community of Columbia, located at 700 DaVega Drive, Lexington, South Carolina 29073. The family suggests wearing something colorful, if possible, as Jim was always a dapper dresser. The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special "thank-you" to Dr. Bruce Truesdale and Dr. Tripp Jones for their years of expert care. In Jim's last months, the medical team of Harmony Care Hospice, and especially Pam Johnson, were so deeply compassionate and caring. Words are not enough to express the gratitude felt for these many acts of kindness. Jim was fortunate to have many friends who loved him. The family thanks his dear friends at the Presbyterian Community of Columbia for their years of loving concern, and the staff of the Community, who went above and beyond in their service and care. The family also appreciates the friendship of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Jim's wonderfully caring Sunday School Class, and The Lanterns Men's Prayer Group. They are deeply grateful to the Lexington Rotary Club, and dear friends David Brown, Barry Davis, Steve Ghelardini, Clare Hodge, Paul Scott, Buck Cockfield, Debbie Sloan, Dick Thompson and those close, special friends who sent him cards weekly. In lieu of flowers, Jim's family kindly requests memorial contributions please be made to the Residents' Charitable Care Fund of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, 2817 Ashland Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210. Brockington Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge.
Published in The State on August 28, 2012 [3] |
1893 - 1977 (83 years)
d. 19 Sep 1938 (Age 71 years) 