Memorial Trees
R
Rena McLeod Simon
August 20, 2020
Memorial trees planted for:
Priscilla Jane Mason
Priscilla Jane Mason, daughter of the late Ken and Crystal Reading, passed away August 6th, 2020 in Columbia, SC, at age 74. Born in Northwestern Indiana in 1946, she graduated from Valparasio High School. She began her nursing career at Porter Memorial Hospital. Later, with her young daughter by her side, Jane moved to South Carolina, where she earned her LPN at Midlands Technical College, and continued pursuing a career in nursing for almost 45 years. Jane worked many years at Richland Memorial (Later Prisma Health), Lowman Home located in White Rock, and Brian Center in the St. Andrews area. She also enjoyed working as a health care nurse for several home bound individuals in her community. Having settled in the Columbia area in 1977, Jane soon joined Redeemer Lutheran Church on St. Andrews Road. Her faith was strong, which led her to become a Sunday School teacher, an active choir member, and serve on several committees and Women’s Circles. Jane recently received a Key Woman award from The Church Women United organization for her dedication of service for the Church and the Community. Jane was a social activist. She encouraged voter registration, educational enhancement, and equal rights for women and minorities. She was highly respected by the community for her compassion and the love she showed for family and God. Most of all, she was known for her feisty nature, her patience, and her ability to be a good listener. Jane relished her retirement years. She enjoyed drinking her morning coffee while watching old movies and cooking shows, researching genealogy, reading, singing to Andrew Lloyd Webber and spending quality time with her grandsons, Henry McLeod of Irmo, and Specialist Donald McLeod (USANG) of Lexington. Among her favorite authors included Walt Whitman, Carl Sandburg, Max Lucado, and Laura Ingles Wilder. Having loved dogs since she was a toddler, Jane advocated for the rescue of neglected and abused animals, and the adoption of shelter pets. While not exactly enthusiastic about cats, Jane learned to love her great grand cat, Zoe, who for 15 years always had a head butt or a cuddle waiting for her. Her only child, Amanda Mason-McLeod of Lexington would like to extend gratitude to the Prisma Health Hospice Nursing and Social Work Staff for making Jane’s passing one of peace and comfort. A deep heartfelt thanks from the family also goes to Reverends’ Henry McKay, Gary Loadholdt, Mel Amundson, and Frank A. Anderson for their friendship and advice. Many thanks to Jane’s friends and neighbors, and church family for being such constant and enduring inspirations. Before her death, Jane expressed her hope that the community would utilize common sense and proven scientific measures to stay healthy, and to engage our right to vote in November. One of her favorite quotes was from the late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia. “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful. Be optimistic.” A memorial service celebrating the life of Jane Mason will be held a later date, per her request. In lieu of flowers, please donate your time and talents to your local favorite charity or religious center in her honor. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at southcarolinacremation.comJune 17, 1946 - August 6, 202006/17/194608/06/2020
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