Joan McLeod

Joan Goebel McLeod died peacefully at the Providence-MUSC Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the age of 80 from COVID-19 related complications.

Joan is survived by her husband of 58 years Dr. Charles Geiger McLeod, Jr. of Eutawville, South Carolina, and their three daughters and their families: Victoria McLeod Moore of Florence, South Carolina, husband Todd and daughter Claire; Jennifer McLeod Feldman of Catonsville, Maryland, husband Stan and daughter Julia; Rena McLeod Simon of Fallston, Maryland, husband Mike and sons Charlie and Harvey. She is also survived by her three sisters: Cathy Touchstone of Denver, North Carolina, Mary Reese of Concord, North Carolina, and Margie Eades of Charlotte, North Carolina. She also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of wonderful friends.

Joan was born in Savannah, Georgia, on April 15, 1941, to the late Norbert B. and LuCille F. Goebel, grew up in Clemson, South Carolina, and graduated from D. W. Daniel High School in 1959. She attended Clemson University, where she met her future husband and college sweetheart, Charlie McLeod. They married on June 15, 1963. Charlie served as an army commissioned officer after graduating from veterinary school in 1966. Joan changed her career plans several times as they moved to new assignments including West Point, New York, Hokkaido, Japan, Fort Detrick, Maryland, San Antonio, Texas, and Aberdeen, Maryland. They called Maryland their home for nearly thirty years before settling back in their home state of South Carolina for retirement. Joan and Charlie enjoyed the past twelve years living on Lake Marion. Together they enjoyed swimming in their pool, spoiling their German shorthaired pointers, boating, fishing, gardening, and frequently hosting friends and family who visited them.

Joan, as so many friends describe her, was a beautiful, vibrant, fun-loving, confident woman. These traits served her well in her career paths. She spent some time modeling in the 1970s, worked in San Antonio at La Mansion Del Norte as the events coordinator, and ran a successful cosmetics and fashion business for decades in Maryland. She was an accomplished artist and seamstress. Joan loved sports and was an avid Clemson Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens fan. Joan was a very spiritual and religious person beginning each day with daily Mass followed by the rosary. At St. Ann Catholic Church in Santee, she was a Eucharistic Minister, a lector, and a member of the Women’s Association. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Joan was best known as the most loving wife, caring mother, and the big sister that everyone admires. She was an excellent cook and entertainer for the guests that might visit from parts around the world. She was a true friend to the many people from all the places that they lived. Her bubbly personality would light up a room and make everyone feel welcomed. She could make you laugh with a good story or joke to tell. She will be missed tremendously.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Santee, South Carolina, with a gathering to follow at Lone Star Barbeque and Mercantile across the street.

In lieu of flowers, you can remember Joan by donating directly or online to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or directly to St. Ann Catholic Church at 2205 State Park Rd. Santee, SC 29142.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at https://www.avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd., Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803) 496-3434.