Harriet Lowndes Harvin Keenan

Harriet Lowndes Harvin Keenan was born on July 28, 1932, in Columbia, South Carolina and died on December 24, 2023. Daughter of the late George Legare Harvin and Margaret Washington Cain Harvin, Harriet was a direct descendent of the founders of this country.

Educated in Columbia Schools, she attended Converse College and the University of South Carolina. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Forest Lake Club, Columbia Junior League, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, The Quadrille Club, and served as President of the Town & Country Garden Club. In 1980, along with Beverly Blount McNeil, Birmingham, Alabama, Harriet co-founded a portrait business, Portrait Brokers of America, now known as Portraits, Inc. She served on the board of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community from 1990 to 1993.

Harriet’s devotion to her hometown of Columbia was only eclipsed by her love of family and those she considered herself blessed to call friends. She and her husband, Walter, were instrumental in helping change Columbia and have left an indelible mark on the beneficiaries of their generosity. Countless Columbians have benefitted from their contributions to the Columbia Museum of Art, the Keenan Chapel at Trinity Cathedral, and their impactful support of the Salvation Army.

Harriet will long be remembered as a gracious hostess, a loyal friend to many, and for the servant’s heart from which she led.

Married to the late Walter McNeel Keenan for 57 years, she is survived by her son, Walter McNeel Keenan, Jr. and his wife Susan Sprigg Keenan, grandsons, Walter McNeel Keenan, III (Allyson), Wilson Lear Keenan (Elizabeth), William Parker Sullivan (Bianca), John Leighton Sullivan (Haleigh), Christopher Bane Sullivan, and three great-grandsons.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Rachael Davis, Harry Lee Brown, Dianne Davenport, and Leslie Williams for years of loyal care and support. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the home of her son.