Frances Carolyn James

Frances Carolyn Wainner James passed away peacefully on the morning of December 12, 2025, at the age of 94.

Carolyn was born in Boise, Idaho, on April 18, 1931, to the late Orville and Iona Robeau Wainner. She had four siblings, Helen Haendle (Vic, deceased), Elizabeth Long (Larry), and the late Dorothy Alfonso and the late Thomas Wainner (Brenda).

After several moves around the country due to her father’s Veterans Administration service, Carolyn’s family eventually settled in Columbia, South Carolina. Carolyn attended Dreher High School, where she played sports and was a member of the Honor Society. Following high school, she completed a registered nurse degree at the old Columbia Hospital Nursing Program. She joined the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps during the Korean War. In the Air Force she met and married Lieutenant Norman Marquis James of Woodburn, Iowa in 1954.

Carolyn and Norman had three children, Valerie James (Bob Dudek-deceased), Sharon James-Hilyer (Doug) and Douglas James (deceased). After Captain James’ untimely death in June of 1962, She moved back to SC raise their young children while also working as a nurse for the University of South Carolina Health Center until her retirement. She also worked as a volunteer disaster nurse for the American Red Cross for 21 years. She was an active member of the Society of Air Force Nurses.

Carolyn made many baby hats and blankets for newborns for the Birthright of Columbia organization and was a member of the Richland County Library with a group of ladies who did handiwork for needy individuals.

Outside of work, Carolyn found joy in the rhythm of her needles and the grace of the dance floor, creating beauty with both yarn and movement. A prolific knitter, crocheter, and seamstress she created crafts for the St. Joseph’s Church’s Women’s Guild and for her family and friends.

An elegant ballroom dancer for years, you would frequently find Carolyn performing in dance competitions throughout the state and the southeast. She brought warmth, creativity, and laughter into every room and always made new friends.

Above all, Carolyn was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Carolyn fondly known as “Mimi” had several grandchildren: Anna Lawson (John Nabors), Ashley Hubbard, Kyle James (Anne), Ben Dudek (Elizabeth), Caitlyn James and Gavin James. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Jackson and Shelby Lawson-Nabors, Blake and Mary Claire Dudek. Carolyn also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. Carolyn’s legacy lives on in the lives she so tenderly loved.

A Catholic liturgy will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home Chapel on Devine Street in Columbia on Tuesday, January 6, 2025 at 11:00 am with Visitation beforehand at 10:00 am. A private internment for the family at Greenlawn Memorial Park will follow the service.

The family would like to thank NHC of Lexington for care during the last years of her life. We would like to extend a special thanks to Sheila Harris for her caring support for us. And finally we extend our gratitude to Kwalley Taylor who cared for and did crafts with Carolyn while she lived in her home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mom and her cat Squish to Pets, Inc.