Joannie Robinson Van de Grift
Joannie Robinson Van De Grift was a member of the Dreher High School Class of 1961. She is pictured here as Miss Junior during her junior year at Dreher. Joannie spent her elementary years in Forest Hills on Delano Drive. While at Hand Middle School she moved near Crayton Junior High. Members of her class and friends from her neighborhoods remember her as a beautiful lady inside and out, one who cared deeply for all of God's creatures. She will be missed by all who knew her. —Contributed by the Class of 1961 A memorial service for Mrs. Joannie Robinson Van De Grift was held 11 o'clock Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel with Rev. Sefton Strickland, brother- in- law of Mrs. Van De Grift, officiating. Inurnment followed in Elmwood Cemetery. Joannie Van De Grift, 65, wife of Dr. Edward R. Van De Grift III, of Columbia, died April 25, 2009 at her residence.
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Carolyn Crews Robinson and the late Robert W. Robinson. Mrs. Van De Grift was a graduate of Dreher High School and Sullins College. Mrs Van De Grift was a member of Shandon Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband, Dr. Edward R. Van De Grift III of Columbia; her mother, Carolyn C. Robinson, of Columbia; a brother, Robert W. Robinson Jr. of Clemson, and three stepchildren: Melanie Jean Van De Grift of Atlanta, Georgia; Kimberly Jean Van De Grift of Columbia; and Edward R. Van De Grift IV of Columbia; and her favorite companion, a little Yorkie "Summer."
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Lung Association, 1817 Gadsden Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or to Sister Care, 2711 Middleburgh Drive, Columbia, SC 29204.
