Janie Moody Addison Aiken

June 7, 1933 - March 7, 2020

Janie Moody Addison Aiken, was born June 7, 1933, in Sumter County the seventh child of twelve children born to the late Preston and Jessie H. Johnson Moody. She was the adopted daughter of the late Reverend Dr. Talley H. Addison and the widow of the late James Albert Aiken. To this union, one son, Albert A. Aiken, was born. Janie departed this earthly life Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Providence Health in Columbia, South Carolina. Janie grew up in a Christian home, which helped her to develop excellent character and strong religious morals. She became a member of Willow Grove AME Church at an early age in August 1946. Janie served on many organizations and auxiliaries including: the Steward Board, Class Leader, Adult Church School Teacher, Church Organist, and member of the Senior Choir. She also served as the Vice-President of the Women’s Missionary Society, President of the Lay Organization, Building Fund, Pastor’s Aide, Scholarship Committee, Family and Friends Committee, and Floral Club. Janie was the Columbia Conference Lancaster Area Women’s Missionary Society Treasurer. She attended several General Conferences and WMS Quadrennials as an observer in addition to serving as a Delegate and/or Alternate for several Columbia Conference sessions. She was a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Janie was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Lincoln High School in Sumter, South Carolina. She also graduated from Allen University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and from New York University with a Master of Arts in Early Childhood education and further studied at Southern Connecticut State College, Francis Marion University and the University of South Carolina. She retired after thirty-six years as a classroom teacher. Janie was Life Member of the National Education Association , South Carolina Education Association and Richland County Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of the Trenholm Acres Community and a registered voter. During her years of service she received many awards, plaques and certificates: loyal and dedicated service as Treasurer from the Columbia Conference WMS, Christian Education Stole—Teacher, elected officer of the WMS (Treasurer, Columbia Conference, Willow Grove AME Church), WMS President, Family of the Year, Senior Choir President, Woman of the Year, Women’s Day Queen, Outstanding Educator (Education and Scholarship Committee), Appreciation Award (Voices of Praise), dedicated and outstanding service (Lee County Education Association), loyal and dedicated service (West Lee Elementary School Faculty and Staff), dedicated service (West Lee Elementary School PTA), outstanding Mathematics teacher (West Lee Elementary School) and church musician. Janie leaves to cherish precious memories her son Albert Addison (Monica) Aiken of Columbia; four grandchildren: Khirstin Amber Aiken (Shyhiem) Loynes, Kyle Ashton Aiken, Kameron Addison Aiken, and Kristian Avery Aiken, all of Columbia; a stepson, James E. (Shirley) Aiken of North Carolina; two step-daughters: Beverly A. (Tim) Harrison of Atlanta, Georgia, and Olga Mauvene A. (Rev. Hank) Swanson of Amarillo, Texas; two sisters: Miriam M. Graham of Forestville, Maryland, and Florence E. “Stine” Moody of Union City, Georgia; a special niece Wilma Moody Jordan of Eastover, South Carolina; a sister-in-law Betty J. Taylor Moody; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; a patient and caring caregiver Thomasina “Tina” Perrian; a loving and concerned neighbor Annie Bell Drakeford; a godson Arthur “Butch” Johnson; a goddaughter Deloris B. Ellis; and her four loving Yorkies: Khloe, Kenzy, Kylah, and Kisyn.