Essie Mae Smith

Essie Mae Smith, 80, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on June 23, 2026, in Columbia.

Essie was born on January 24, 1946, in Houstonville, Kentucky, to the late Reverend Warren Hair, a Church of God minister, and Irene Russell Hair. She graduated from Houstonville High School.

Essie proudly served her country for 11 years in the United States Army. Following her military service, she continued serving her community through a distinguished 30-year career in federal civil service at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Her faith remained an important part of her life, and she maintained a lifelong connection to the Church of God. Essie was known for her loving and caring personality. She never met a stranger, had a special love for children, and brought warmth and kindness to those around her. She enjoyed playing bingo, traveling, spending time with her family, and making new friends wherever she went.

Essie was formerly married to Billy Joe Leach, with whom she shared two children.

She is survived by her children, Brian Leach of Columbia, South Carolina, and Christina Frye of Lexington, South Carolina; her stepson, Charley Smith of Lexington, South Carolina; her grandchildren, William Blackwelder, Aaron Nance, Jonathan Leach, Danny Fetton, Summer Frye, and Melinda Hutto; and her great-grandchildren, Baylee Leach, Alyson Leach, and Polina Fetton.

She is also survived by her brother, Bobby Hair of Kentucky; her sister, Kay Gibson of Maryland; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Bradley Smith; her parents, the Reverend Warren Hair and Irene Russell Hair; her brother, Billy Hair; and her sister, Norma Jene Rice.

Visitation will be held on July 9, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Home on Leesburg Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Foundation for Women Warriors or Pets Incorporated in Essie’s honor.

Essie will be remembered for her devoted service, generous spirit, welcoming heart, and the love she shared so freely with her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her.