MONTE MCELVEEN GAYMON

Monte McElveen Gaymon, of Sumter, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday morning, Feb. 16, 2020.

Born on Sept. 5, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Ernest F. and Adell "Dell" McElveen of Olanta. Monte was married for 71 years to the Rev. Freddie Gaymon, until his death on Aug. 31, 2017. She supported his ministry through service to God and the church as pianist, Sunday school teacher, Women's Auxiliary leader, writer/director of numerous church dramas and many other roles. She was a secretary for many years at Williams Furniture Co. and Tuomey hospital in Sumter.

Mrs. Gaymon is survived by sons, Hal (Susan) Gaymon of Greenville and Mike (Sheila) Gaymon of Columbus, Georgia; her sister, Sara M. Smith of Cades; and one brother, Donald E. (Emma) McElveen of Columbia. She was affectionately known as "Mama Tee" or "Grandma Tee" to her grandchildren, Kerri (Brian) Beekman, Sumer (Adam) Thomas, Kim (Mark) Dalgety, Robin (Robert) Saffold, Matt (Ashley) Gaymon, Kasey (Casey) Boyd, Bill (Katy) Williams and Wes (Lia) Williams; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Earl McElveen and Milton McElveen.

She will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends and loved ones who were blessed to know her love and kindness.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home, 515 Miller Road, Sumter.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Floyd officiating. Burial will be at Olanta Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Amedisys Hospice, 250 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 105, Greenville, SC 29615 or Freedom Worship PH Church, 1490 Florence Highway, Sumter, SC 29153.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.