Aubrey Ann Argoe Birch

She was the daughter of the late O. Aubrey and Cehoy Tarrant Argoe, was born in Springfield, SC on July 23, 1935 and grew up in Orangeburg, SC. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Darrell J. Birch (a/k/a the Colonel), her parents and her brother, Louie W. Argoe. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Lynn Birch, and her son, James Aubrey Birch (Donna), granddaughter, Ashley Ann Birch Harrelson (Mike), and great-grandchildren, Aidan Thomas Birch and Lucas James Maxwell-Birch. She is also survived by her sister, Brenda K. Argoe; a niece, Lorie Ann McDonald (Alex), nephews, Jesse Argoe and Joshua Argoe, and great-nephews, William McDonald, Michael McDonald, Riley McDonald, Easton Argoe and Hampton Argoe; and family from California through her marriage to the Colonel, son Weldon Birch (Barbara), grandson Michael Birch (Tracee), great grandson, Corey Birch, great granddaughter, Amber Prosser (Zach), great-great grandchildren Jace Prosser, Mason Prosser and Jaxon Prosser, and grandson Sean Birch (Rhownica).

She attended Orangeburg public schools and Winthrop University. Upon graduation, she began a career in the legal field and worked at both the state and federal levels of government as a court reporter and legal secretary. She then joined the staff of the Clerk’s Office, United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, as a courtroom deputy. Ultimately, she was appointed as the Clerk of that Court, being the first female to hold that position. She oversaw the administration and management of the five staffed offices of the court across South Carolina, served 11 federal judges, and supervised a staff of 71 deputy clerks. She retired in 1994 with 35 years of federal service and her portrait hangs in the Clerk’s Office of the Matthew J. Perry United States District Courthouse in Columbia.

After retiring, she and Colonel Birch continued their activities including playing golf, going to the beach often and traveling. With family on both the east and west coasts, they enjoyed visiting both coasts and many points between. A love of music, art and plays had them attending many such events in Columbia, Charlotte and Atlanta. One of Ann’s favorite things was a long-running tradition of going to New York every year or so to attend Broadway plays and to shop. She also enjoyed spending time with her immediate and extended family and hosted many family gatherings and dinners in her home.

She was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church and served as a choir member and on several boards and committees over the years.

A heartfelt thank you to our God-sent caregiver, Alyssa Tucker, whose care, dedication and love sustained us and who will always be family. Our eternal thanks to Dr. Prexa Naik who went above and beyond in her care over the years and was always there for our family – truly one of a kind. Also to Lutheran Hospice (Gena, Shironda and Rachel) for their compassion and comfort in the last days.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:00 am, with the service at 12:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC. Burial will immediately follow at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church (1301 Richland St., Columbia SC 29201) or the Dementia Society of America (PO Box 600, Doylestown PA 18901).