Elizabeth Cole Conway

Elizabeth Cole “Libby” Conway of Charleston, SC was called home by God on January 17, 2024 at age 96. Libby was born on July 16, 1927 in Charleston to Maude Torlay Cole and Charles Edgar Cole. She graduated from Memminger High School, the University of South Carolina (BA Journalism) and completed courses in Education at the College of Charleston. She married John Condon “Jack” Conway of Charleston. She is survived by her children: John Condon Conway, Jr. and his wife, Carol Sottile, Ruth Ellen “Ruthie” Conway Smythe and her husband, David and Patrick Francis Conway and his wife, Robin, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Raoul Bryant Conway.

Widowed at age 49 Libby served as bookkeeper for Charleston Area Senior Citizens, 4th Grade teacher at Nativity Catholic School, and finally as office manager for Charleston area SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives) retiring at age 86. She received the National SCORE Platinum Leadership Award and the Small Business Administration’s “Partner of the Year” award.

Libby gave volunteer service and leadership to many organizations over the years: Brownie and Cub Scout leader, member of West Ashley Civitan and vice president of James Island Civitan Auxiliaries, president and poll manager of James Island Precinct 8, president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Charleston, Charleston Crisis Ministry Shelter, Neighborhood House Soup Kitchen, Carter-May Home, and May Forest.

A committed disciple of Jesus from her childhood Libby served the Lord and His people faithfully throughout her long life. Raised at Citadel Square Baptist Church, Libby joined the Catholic Church in her twenties. She was a founding member and Minister of the Eucharist at Nativity Catholic Church on James Island, president of the Charleston Deanery of Catholic Women, vice-president of Charleston Catholic Charities, editor and director of a weekly radio book review program for the Catholic Library Association, secretary of Nativity Parish School Board and president of the Nativity Women’s Auxiliary. Libby was also a member of the Order of Secular Franciscans for over 40 years. Her profound faith, hope, and love empowered her life and gave her the strength to face death with serenity and hope.

For all the decades of service she gave to the greater Charleston community, Libby was most grateful to God for the gift of being mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman.

Libby was preceded in death by husband Jack, her parents, siblings Charles, Robert, Lula, and Buddy, and son Raoul.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Nativity Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM, Saturday, at the church followed by visitation until 10:50 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Nativity Church Building Fund at 1061 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 or to any charity that serves those in need.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.