Lois Ophelia Kneece Lockhart

Lois Kneece Lockhart, 86, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on December 28, 2025, in Columbia. She was born on August 2, 1939, in Batesburg, South Carolina, to John William Kneece and Sallie Wheeler Kneece.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Lockhart, MD; her parents; and her siblings, Audrey Smith, Rebecca Hallman, Carrol Kneece, Boyce Kneece, and Wheeler Kneece.

She is survived by her children, Ben Lockhart (Elodie) of Rincon, Georgia, and Amy Cook (Michael) of Youngsville, North Carolina. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Taylor Lockhart and Madison Lockhart, both of Rincon, Georgia; Lydia Huezo (Enrique), Marshall Cook, and Matthew Cook, all of Youngsville, North Carolina. She is also survived by her cherished great-granddaughter, Elena Huezo.

Lois earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Newberry College and taught elementary school prior to having her children. She was a faithful member of St. Andrews Baptist Church in Columbia. Lois generously gave her time as a docent at the South Carolina State Museum for many years and was actively involved with the Robert Burns Society of the Midlands. She found joy in bowling, reading good books, Scottish Country Dancing, and spending time with her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home in Columbia, South Carolina, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens in Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baptist Campus Ministries at the University of South Carolina by using the provided link, www.carolinabcm.org/give

Lois will be remembered for her kindness, service to others, and deep love for her family, friends, and community.