Elaine Rosalie Mccants

Elaine Rosalie McCants, 85, of Columbia, passed away on June 15, 2017, at her home.Elaine was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on December 11, 1931 to Walter and Rose Burkott. After graduating from high school, Elaine met Jack Brantley McCants, an Air Force Sergeant, stationed at nearby Hanscom Air Force Base. Although it was love at first sight for Jack, Elaine was not as enamored at first, but Elaine's father was impressed by Jack and they became friends. In fact, Walter Burkott often invited Jack to the house for dinner and to go fishing. Elaine soon came to enjoy Jack's company and she even taught him how to drive using her Hudson convertible as the practice vehicle. Soon Elaine wanted to spend every minute with Jack, and on March 31, 1951 they were married. Thanks to the Air Force, they travelled throughout the United States and enjoyed assignments in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Anchorage, Alaska before returning to Myrtle Beach, where Jack retired from the military. Early in their marriage, Elaine worked at various insurance agencies and later became a full-time homemaker for Jack and their children, Sara and Tim. Elaine enjoyed shopping for antiques and artwork to decorate their homes in her unique and extraordinary style. Elaine was the original stylish DIYer and added her personal touch to their homes by customizing pieces to suit her family's lifestyle and needs. Elaine always enjoyed travelling, spending time with her family, reading current magazines and watching old movies, particularly westerns. In recent years, she became a fan of "The Walking Dead." Elaine was also deeply patriotic, loved the military and this country, and was also a supporter of many charitable events and organizations, especially those that helped the military, children or animals. She dearly missed Jack who passed away in June 2008. Elaine is survived by her daughter, Sara McCants Dawson; her son, Tim McCants married Michele Yaroma; grandchildren: Jessica Dawson; Alicia (Dawson) Corral, married to Mark Corral; Dakota Dawson; Brantley McCants; Meryl McCants and Grace McCants; and great-grandchildren: Bella, Jojo, Denver, Juliette, Dakota, Rebekah and Mary. A private memorial service will be held June 24, 2017 to celebrate Elaine's time with us here.Elaine's final resting place will be beside Jack at Arlington National Cemetery.