Shirley Segars Tapp

Shirley was born in Hartsville, South Carolina on May 17, 1938. She later moved to Columbia where she lived, worked and raised her family for the rest of her life. Shirley settled near Lake Murray with her husband Colonel Richard Lee Tapp. They enjoyed many years together with their beloved dogs boating and fishing on the lake.

More than anything in her life, Shirley loved her family. In her home, she raised and nurtured children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always kept everyone fed with her exceptional cooking. She cared deeply for her loved ones and served them unconditionally. She especially loved sharing meals, watching football games, and spending time near the lake.

An incredibly strong and independent person, Shirley always worked hard and supported herself and her family. In Columbia, she worked for Allied Signal in various departments for 38 years. She then worked as a Collections Manager in the Delinquent Tax Department of the Richland County Assessor’s Office. Among her many responsibilities, Shirley expertly managed the annual Richland County Tax Sale. In her time with Richland County, she maintained an exemplary work record and cultivated meaningful professional and personal relationships. Her colleagues loved and respected her, and many thought of her

as a mother or a sister. She worked full time with Richland County until her retirement in 2022.

After retiring from Richland County, Shirley stayed busy taking care of her great grandson, Jones. As she did for each of her grandchildren before, she loved Jones deeply, played with him, rocked him, fed him well and taught him to walk in her home.

Shirley loved the South Carolina Gamecocks and especially enjoyed Gamecock football. She hosted a famous tailgate for each home game which attracted family, friends and strangers. She made everyone who attended her tailgate feel welcomed and well fed. A truly loyal person and fan, she always supported the Gamecocks and never left a game early regardless of the score.

She is survived by her son Woody Woodham (Cindy), step-son Ric Tapp, step-daughter Ginger Ollis (Shane), grandchildren Zach Woodham (Courtney), Cooper Woodham and Carson Woodham and great grandchildren Jones Woodham and Hudson Ann Woodham. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Kay Segars, nieces Chris Howle (Robert) and Karen Hodge (David), and many great nieces and great nephews.

Shirley is predeceased by her brother Jack Segars, husband Colonel Richard Lee Tapp, niece Jackie Haithcock and great nephew Jacob Haithcock.

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, Shirley’s family will hold a visitation at 1:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home — Dutch Fork Chapel (7600 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Chapin, South Carolina.