Section: C Lot: 10A Grave: 3
Anna Khouri Rumsey
Born: May 31st, 1952
Died: June 30th, 2026
Obituary
Anna Khouri Rumsey
Our beloved Anna Marie Khouri Rumsey, 74, of Blythewood, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Anna will be remembered for her giving heart and lifelong service to others. She loved to cook and often shared her bounty with family, friends, and those in need. A woman of many talents, Anna enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, gardening, writing, and playing the piano, along with her deep love for music. Known for her intelligence, quick wit, and love of debate, those who challenged her rarely came away on the winning side.
Born in Columbia on May 31, 1952, she was the daughter of the late George Abraham Khouri and Daisy Christopher Khouri.
Anna graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and was honored to travel throughout the country singing under the direction of Dr. Darazs as a member of the USC Concert Choir. She taught for several years in Georgetown County Schools in South Carolina, where she met her soon-to-be husband, John.
The couple later relocated to Greenwood, South Carolina, where both taught at the John de la Howe School. Anna then spent 23 years in Columbia working as a stockbroker, insurance agent, and real estate agent. She also took a brief but rewarding venture into restaurant ownership. Later in life, Anna served as a contractor for the Social Security Administration for nearly 16 years while concurrently writing a food column for her local newspaper and authoring a book.
Her heart for service reflected the biblical significance of her name, given in recognition of the Christ child. This calling was evident through her involvement in lay ministry, volunteering, and cooking for street ministry, mission houses, and various community outreaches. Along the way, she brought praise and worship wherever she served and was eventually called into ministry herself, pastoring part-time. Known affectionately as “Anna with the Manna,” she made it her mission to bring words of hope and encouragement to everyone she encountered.
Anna is survived by her husband of 49 years, John J. Rumsey; foster son, Everett Ficlin; siblings, Deborah Khouri Horne, Florence Khouri Goodwyn (Wade), and Joseph C. Khouri (Robin); sisters-in-law, Betty Khouri and Terri Khouri; as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael S. Khouri, George A. Khouri, Jr., and David B. Khouri; sister, Virginia Lynn Khouri; and brother-in-law, Randall Horne.
The funeral service for Mrs. Rumsey will be held at 11 o’clock on Monday, July 6, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. A graveside service will immediately follow at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10 o’clock.
Memorials may be made to Christ Central Ministries, 2018 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.