Patricia Lewis Beckler

A “Celebration of Life” memorial service for Patricia Lewis Beckler, 94, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Shandon United Methodist Church, with Rev. C. E. “Smoke” Kanipe officiating. A reception will be held in Player Hall at the church following the service. Dunbar Funeral Home-Northeast, is assisting the family.

Mrs. Beckler died Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born in Dover, Tennessee, and was the daughter of the late William Brandon and Mayme Cox Lewis of Nashville, Tennessee.

She graduated from Isaac Litton High School, attended Martin Methodist Junior College, and graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1954 with a degree in English and history. She taught for three years at Madison High School before her marriage to John D. Beckler in 1956. They moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, in the fall of 1957, where her husband began working for Tennessee Eastman Company.

Pat built a strong community during her time in Kingsport through various church and civic organizations. She held many leadership roles at First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

In 1984, they made their home in Columbia, SC, when her husband, John, was transferred for his job. Pat was a faithful member of the J.O.Y. Sunday school class at Shandon United Methodist Church and gave her time generously to the church, serving in numerous leadership roles and helping establish Shandon’s Music and Arts Ministry.

Pat loved to travel around the world and when she was no longer able to travel, she filled her days reading books.

Pat was involved in the Wildewood Downs community and formed many friendships through her years as a resident and founded and hosted a monthly book club.

Pat had a generous heart, and her philanthropy included support for her church, the South Carolina Art Museum, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Alzheimer’s research, and Parkinson’s disease research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Pat’s life was filled with leading and loving those around her. Her servant heart touched and changed lives as she lived her faith through the years.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John D. Beckler and her brother William Brandon Lewis, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl B. and Moi M. Monroe III of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Celia B. and Richard E. Johnson Jr. of Kingsport, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ellen M. Colberg (Brandon) Rock Hill, SC, Emily M. Pridgen (Jason) Rincon, GA, Elizabeth M. Grantham (Matthew) Nicholls, GA, Richard E. Johnson III Burbank, CA, and Rachel E. Johnson Houston, TX; seven great-grandchildren; niece, Beth Bramer (John) and nephew William Brandon Lewis, III (Laura).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Music and Arts Ministry, Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29205.

Please sign the online guest book at; https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/patricia-beckler-13042193