Elsie Torck Landers
Elsie T. Landers entered into eternal rest Monday, January 20, 2020. Elsie was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She was a soloist and also sang many duets with her sister, “Weazie” in their church choir. Elsie and “Weazie” also sang in the Charleston Choral Society, the U.S. Naval Hospital Chapel choir at the Charleston Navy Yard, and the Citadel Square Baptist Church. Elsie also performed at the Dock Street Theatre and was a guest soloist on the Simmons Variety Show.
She met and married Jack, her “sweetie”, in 1950. They eventually moved to Greenville, SC where they attended St. Michael’s Lutheran church where she sang in the choir and also performed at the Greenville Little Theatre. Eventually they moved to Mauldin, SC and Jack opened “Happy Jack’s” restaurant. Elsie quit her job as secretary and statistical typist to help Jack at the restaurant. In Mauldin they were members of a mission Lutheran Church, Messiah, where Elsie was volunteer Choir Director for 9 years.
Elsie and Jack moved to Okeechobee, Florida in 1981 where Jack opened a screen-print shop, “Jack’s T’s of Florida”, and Elsie worked with him as administrative assistant. They became members of the Okeechobee First United Methodist Church and Elsie joined the choir. She was also a member of the Okeechobee Community Choir.
After Jack’s death, Elsie remained in Okeechobee until 2014 when she moved to South Carolina to be closer to family. Elsie settled back into South Carolina and after visiting Simpsonville United Methodist Church, she soon joined the choir. She was happiest when listening to music or when singing – her greatest joy.
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her sister, Louise, and one granddaughter, Aubrey. She is survived by her sons, Jack, Jr. (Dina) of Plano, Texas and Terry (BJ) of Fountain Inn, SC; two granddaughters, Alexandra “Ali” (Paul) and Elizabeth and one great-granddaughter, Emma Kate.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 25, at 1:00 pm with visitation from 12:00 noon until 1:00pm at Simpsonville United Methodist Church.
I am the housekeeper at Quillen Manor Independent Living where Elsie resided. I loved cleaning for and chatting with Elsie over the years. I know that she is in a wonderful place now but very much missed by her friends and neighbors. She loved her music and loved everyone whom she knew. Her great- granddaughter had become the topic of her conversations and was proud to show the latest pictures of her. Miss you Elsie, and still can’t believe you’re gone.
What a dear , happy lady and one who will be greatly missed. I sat beside her in our choir at SUMC and when she couldn’t hear what someone would say, she would lean over and ask me.., ” What did they say ” ? I would have to answer,” I can’t them, either” and we would laugh . I’ve missed her since she moved to Quillen Manor.
I am saddened by the passing of my good friend Jack’s mother. I know she will be missed and Jack and Elsie’s love for the Lord will provide peace and comfort to the family. Rest in Peace.