Elmwood Funeral Home and Cemetery

06/09/2026

Terry Lorick
December 20, 1961 – June 6, 2026

Terry Kathleen Lorick, 64, of Lexington, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by love and the devoted care she received throughout her final years. She was born on December 20, 1961, in Dallas, Texas. Terry Kathleen was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Terry Kathleen graduated from Columbia High School, and the University of South Carolina with honors in 1996.

Terry Kathleen is survived by her sister, Cynthia “Cindy” L. Kinard (Gene) of Lexington; her nieces, Rebecca L. Hudson of Pelion and Jennifer L. Barwick of Salters; her great-nieces and great-nephew, Anthony M. Hudson of Lexington, Laura E. Hudson of Pelion, and Kaylee E. Barwick of Salters; and her uncle, John W. Lorick of Lexington.

She was predeceased by her parents, Franklin Unger Lorick and Jewel Maurine Lorick; her brother, Michael Dale Lorick; and her sister, Kathey Inmon Lorick.

There will be a private memorial celebration of life to honor Terry Kathleen at a later date.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/terry-lorick-12919481

06/04/2026

Judith Ann Daly
December 3, 1943 – May 28, 2026

Judith Ann Daly passed away on May 28, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina after a short but valiant fight against heart disease.

Born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Cleo and Carl Green, Judy grew up in Levittown on Long Island, NY and joined the Women’s Army Corps after graduating high school. While stationed at Fort Meade, MD, she met James Daly and it was there that they were married. Judy earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland University College during the family’s time in Mannheim, Germany, and her master’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. She used her skills at various Army Continuing Education Centers including the Center at Fort Jackson, their last posting. She also volunteered as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor.

Known for her love of learning (especially all things Shakespeare), travel and her family, Judy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Reston, VA), son Christopher (Columbia, SC), daughter-in-law Jessica, grandchildren Erin, Thomas, Grace and Taylor, and a variety of grandpets that she adored. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim and her sister Betty.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the many organizations and candidates Judy supported: World Central Kitchen, Doctors without Borders, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Dr. Annie Andrews.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/judith-daly-12905136

06/04/2026

Richard Sellers Paulling
August 6, 1940 – May 21, 2026

Richard Sellers Paulling died on May 21, 2026 at the age of 85. Richard was born in Columbia, SC, and was the son of Francis Milton Paulling and Frances (Walker) Paulling.

Richard graduated from Columbia High School in 1959 where he won a state championship playing football. He served in the US Navy from 1960-1963. Richard was a good athlete, an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing softball, golf and card games with friends.

He retired from Brown & Williamson To***co and spent retirement with family enjoying sports-especially golf, doing yard work, listening to music and frustrating himself with the latest electronic gadgets.

Richard had a soft spot for all animals and enjoyed spoiling several family dogs-the latest being Winnie and Caroline, who became so excited at his sight, would whimper and jump into his arms until he bled. Richard enjoyed annual large family beach vacations for over 50 years where, by tradition, he helped prepare breakfast for 30+ family members.

Richard’s proudest moments were watching his grandchildren grow and his love for attending their various sporting events. He was an obsessive hummer, humming no matter the setting. During his last few years, he uncovered his artistic side, gracing and overwhelming the family by completing hundreds of diamond-dot kits which he turned into elaborate wall art.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Paula (Galla); his daughter, Julie (Paulling) Bjugan; son-in-law, Ketil Bjugan; grandchildren, Kolbein and Isabella; his son, Scott Paulling; daughter-in-law, Kristen Paulling; and grandchildren, Zachary and Mitchell. Richard is also survived by his sister, Barbara Gill Paulling.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Betty Jane (Paulling) Savage.

Through his family, Richard lived a full life, is loved and will be dearly missed.

There will be a celebration of life held at a later date.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/richard-paulling-12901576

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

James H. Nates Jr.
July 15, 1932 – May 2, 2026

Rev. Dr. James Herbert Nates Jr., known lovingly to family and friends as Jimmy or Jim, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of ninety-three, of natural causes. Born on July 15, 1932, in Columbia, South Carolina, Jim lived a long, full life marked by deep faith, boundless energy, and a genuine love for the people around him.

Jim was the son of the late James Herbert Nates Sr. and Lilla Ethleen Shipman. He grew up in the Elmwood area of Columbia delivering the State Newspaper. He developed an early love of athletics at Columbia High School (downtown) that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Whether it was football or track in his younger years, or running, hiking, and tennis as the decades rolled on, Jim was a man who believed in moving through the world with purpose and vitality. He simply enjoyed life, and it showed in everything he did.

Beyond his love of sports and the outdoors, Jim was a man of wide-ranging passions. He was an avid reader and a devoted traveler, always eager to see new places and learn new things. Perhaps most memorably, he was a gifted conversationalist and storyteller. Time spent with Jim was never dull. He had a way of drawing people in, sharing stories that could make you laugh, think, or simply feel grateful to be sitting across from him.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Davis Nates. Jim is also survived by his daughters, Pamela June Nates, and Jennifer Nates Dalenburg (Adam); his sons, David Charles (Venetta) and Timothy Andrew (Sharon); grandchildren Hannah Boss (Terry); Brittany Nates Gruman (Kevin); Nicholas Charles Nates; Adam Joseph Dalenburg Jr. (Katie); Samuel Nates Dalenburg (Brittany); and James Brent Dalenburg along with many precious great grandchildren. His family also includes Ron Sanders (Candance), children Lydia, and Aaron (Meg) and family; Tricia Heen (Andy), with children David (Whitney), Emily, Anna and Joshua. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, James Herbert 'Herbie' Nates III, whose loss he carried with grace and quiet strength.

At the center of Jim's life was his unwavering dedication to his faith and his church. He was licensed to preach in September 1951 at age nineteen. Jim served faithfully as an Elder (ordained August 1957) in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church for over 60 years, a role that reflected not just his commitment to Christian service but the deep, abiding relationship he had with God. His faith was not something he kept to himself. It shaped the way he treated others, the way he led, and the way he loved. Jim walked closely with the Lord throughout his 93 years, and his family takes great comfort in knowing that he now rests in the arms of his Savior, reunited with those who went before him.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210, followed by a celebration of life service at 1:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Rev. Jonathan Harris, Rev. Joel Jones, and Rev. Arthur Holt. Burial will follow immediately at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Agape Hospice and Grace Caregivers for the compassionate, tender care they provided during Jim's final days. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort to both Jim and his family during a challenging time. Please make donations to any organization aligned with justice, equality and serving the underserved.

Jim Nates lived well, loved deeply, and kept the faith. The world is a little quieter without his stories, but the memories he left behind will be cherished for generations to come.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/james-nates-12872419

05/13/2026

Such an honor to celebrate Susie Baier on her 35th anniversary of compassionate care to the families of Elmwood Cemetery.

04/07/2026

Christopher Shawn Muller
October 6, 1969 – March 29, 2026

Christopher Shawn Muller, 56, of Cayce, South Carolina, passed away on March 29, 2026.

Known to many simply as Shawn, he will be remembered for his funny, playful spirit, affectionate nature, and the sentimental heart he carried beneath it all. He was someone you could sit and talk with for a long time, whether the conversation was lighthearted, thoughtful, or somewhere in between. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, keeping a conversation going, and bringing warmth and personality to even the simplest moments.

Shawn spent more than 20 years working in the paper industry. Outside of work, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, reading, and spending time with his beloved dog, Izzy. He especially loved settling in with a James Patterson book and the kind of quiet moments that made life feel familiar and comfortable.

More than anything, Shawn will be remembered in the roles that mattered most to him, as a son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and especially Big Daddy, a name that brought him so much joy. He loved his family deeply and in ways both big and small, and his memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and everyday moments shared by those who knew him best.

Shawn is survived by his daughter, Ambree Muller; his grandchildren, Cole Muller, Keanu Muller, and Lando Muller; his mother, Peggy Dryer Jones; his father, Fred Muller; and his brothers, David Muller and Mark Muller. He is also remembered with love by Emma Weber, the wife of his late son, J. Michael Muller, and is also survived by Denise Muller Strauss, the mother of his children along with many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his humor, heart, and presence.

He was preceded in death by his son, J. Michael Muller, whom he loved dearly, and his step fathers Leo Dryer and Buck Jones.

A memorial service honoring Shawn’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Irmo Town Park, 7330 Carlisle St, Irmo, SC 29063.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Muller Memorial Training Fund, established in honor of his beloved son, J. Michael Muller, whose last alarm was May 26, 2023. The fund was created in 2024 to honor J’s legacy by providing the men and women of the Irmo Fire District with opportunities to train to the level he aspired to.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/christopher-muller-12816524

03/12/2026

Norma C. Russell
August 23, 1937 – March 6, 2026

Norma C. Russell, 88, of Irmo, SC, passed peacefully unto eternal rest on March 6, 2026, at Brookdale Harbison Assisted Living Facility in Columbia, SC. A lifelong resident of SC, Norma was born in Goldville, SC, on August 23, 1937 to Torrence E. Caldwell and Julia (Dominick) Caldwell. Norma attended The University of SC in 1956-1957, before marrying Rodney Jennings Russell of Columbia on April 21, 1957.

Norma was employed as a freelance court reporter after receiving training from Midlands Technical College. She further worked for South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in this capacity.

Taking great pride in her local community, Norma was very active in many community service efforts, including working as a reporter for The St. Andrews News, Woodland Hills community, 1967, and serving as the Chairperson of the of Woodland Hills March of Dimes campaign, 1968, Director of the South Carolina Lung Association, 1973-1976; Citizens for the Advancement of the Physically Handicapped, 1973; and Citizens to Save Lake Murray from Pollution 1975-1976.

Norma’s influence soon moved into the political realm as she managed Congressman Floyd Spence’s campaign office in 1970. From there, she was elected to represent her community in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1973-1980 and the South Carolina Senate from 1981-1983. Among her many accomplishments during her tenure, Norma was a member of the National Order of Women Legislators; Personalities of the South 1975 & 1982 and of America in 1982 & 1984; Outstanding Individuals of the Bicentennial Era 1976.

Norma was also selected as one of ten First Ladies of the Legislature-Nationally, 1976; Outstanding State Legislator in America by American Legislative Exchange Council, 1984 (Board of Directors, 1980); appointed to the National Education Task Force, 1981; Selected Special President’s Award by Youth Workers Association, 1982; and Two Thousand Notable Americans, 1984.

Her political career was defined by her role as a pioneering Republican woman in a then predominately Democratic South. She was one of the early female leaders in the South Carolina Republican Party, representing Lexington County during a period when the party was gaining traction in the state. During her time in the legislature, she was known for her focus on fiscal and state employee matters. She built her career on local engagement. Throughout her tenure, in the South Carolina legislature, her “dedicated and effective service” was formally recognized by house resolutions from her colleagues. She was notably recognized by her peers as Senator of the year in 1982, reflecting the respect she earned for her legislative work.

Throughout her life, Norma was guided by a deep belief that public service is one of life’s highest callings. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the causes she championed.

Norma is survived by her two children, son Rodney Jennings Russell, Jr. (‘Rusty”) of Irmo, and daughter Robin Russell Byrd (Ray Harris) of Jupiter, FL, along with her fur kids “Toby” and “Panda” and grand-cat “Asher”, niece, Rene’ Russell of Waynesville, NC and nephew, Robert R. Russell, III (“Rip”), of Aiken, SC. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the Prisma Hospice team, Lee Thompson, Eva Lyles, Carmela White and devoted caregivers at Brookdale-Harbison, whose extraordinary compassion, respect and kindness brought great comfort and dignity during her final journey

Those wishing to honor her legacy may consider a donation to Shriner’s Hospital or Prisma Hospice, continuing the spirit of service that guided her life.

In accordance with her wishes, Senator Norma C. Russell will be laid to rest in a family graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, SC.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/norma-russell-12772618

03/11/2026

Thank you for your tireless work, dedication, and sacrifice. We appreciate you!

03/06/2026

Frank Russell Geiger
October 12, 1947 – March 3, 2026

Frank Russell Geiger, 78, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026. Born October 12, 1947, in Columbia, he was the son of the late William Newell Geiger and Jean Russell Geiger.

Frank was a lifelong resident of Columbia and built his career and family there. He worked most of his career as a real estate appraiser and later for the South Carolina Housing Authority and HUD, where he was known for his integrity, diligence, and strong work ethic. After many years of service, he enjoyed a well-earned retirement.

Frank had a deep love of learning and curiosity about the world around him. He could often be found browsing bookstores and thrift shops, always on the hunt for a new treasure or subject to explore. He never stopped picking up new hobbies — from welding to building model cars. He appreciated good conversation, loved his dog Daisy, telling stories, evenings out with friends, a well-made margarita, and never turned down something sweet.

More than anything, Frank loved his family. He is survived by his daughters, Gretchen (Jeffry) Thornsberry of Maryville, Missouri and Jennifer (Jeremy) Court of Bluffton, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Will Thornsberry, Mackenzie and Lindsay Fermin; former wife, Paulette Blume Geiger; sister, Caroline Geiger Aughtry; nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Jean Lesley, and his brother, William Geiger.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held this summer in Columbia with details announced by the family later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Frank believed in giving to those in need. His love for St. Jude’s and numerous other charities was clear.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered support, friendship, and care during this time. A special thank you to Friends of Caroline Hospice for making his final days comfortable and calm.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/frank-geiger-12770137