Barbara Howell Tinder

Barbara “Jean” Howell Tinder, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026.

Jean was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Daughter of Hazel Motley Howell and Albert James Howell. She began her career with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety in October 1964 and worked there until June 1995. She continued her career with the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense from July 1995 until her retirement in April 2017.

Surviving are her son, Trent Tinder, and his wife, Lorin, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and their daughters, Hannah Beck and Aubrey Tinder. Hannah’s husband, Weston, and their children, Wilder and Watson. Her daughter, Melissa Scott, and her husband, Bill, of Leesville, SC, and their children, Logan Scott and Layla Scott; her sister, Judy Whisnant and her late husband, Art Whisnant; her sister, Diane Graber and her husband, Bob; and her beloved nieces, Kandee Johnson, Mirriam Esposito, the late Julie Whisnant, Samantha Lamons, and Cathy Townsend.

Jean also leaves behind three very dear friends, Donna Bridges, Marie Anderson, and Irene Scarborough, who held a special place in her heart and were an important part of her life.

Jean’s greatest legacy is the family and friendships she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street on August 22, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following in Jean’s Memory:

Pastors Collective 636 Long Point Rd, Unit G, PMB1, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

PAWs (Paws Inc., nonprofit 501(c)), PO Box 392, Aiken, SC 29802, Venmo@pawsinc.