Obituary of Patricia Jon Kendrick Corning

Patricia Jon "Jonnie" Kendrick Corning died peacefully in her home on April 5, 2015. She was born January 1, 1945, in Indianapolis, IN. Jonnie was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Bange Robinson Kendrick, father, Major John Willard Robinson (USAAF), and her father, Dr. William Meredith Kendrick, all of Indianapolis, IN. Jonnie is survived by her husband, Roland Shelton Corning, and her children: Christen Dee "Kiki" (Jonathan) Chavious of Chapin, Kerri Elizabeth Corning (Bill) Rust of Charleston, and John Robinson Kendrick Corning of Mt. Pleasant. She is also survived by her sisters, Katherine “Kay” Dee Kendrick (Brent) Loeloff of Elgin, IL and Kasey Leigh Kendrick of Indianapolis, IN, her brothers William Kendrick of Kokomo, IN; Paul David Kendrick of Indianapolis, IN, and dear friend Dawn Milesi Kendrick of Indianapolis, IN. Jonnie ("Grammy") adored her grandchildren, William "Liam" Rust and Olive Anne "Annie" Rust, and was a life-long animal lover who leaves behind her dog Carolina, and her grand dogs, Katharine "Kate" Chavious and Cooper Corning. A graduate of Tudor Hall School for Girls, Sullins Junior College in Bristol, VA, and the University of South Carolina, Jonnie had an adventurous spirit. She served as a flight attendant for Pan-American out of Los Angeles, worked as a clothing buyer for Allied Department Stores in New York City, and was President of the Salt Lake City Women's Jaycees before moving to Columbia. She was a warm and amazing mother and friend who was always willing to sacrifice her needs for those of her children and loved ones. She served the community as Executive Director of the Spring Valley Education Foundation for 22 years, and was an ardent Gamecock fan. A rare and gentle soul, she will be missed by the many lives she has touched. We hope to follow the wonderful example she set for us. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:30 P.M. Saturday, April 18, at the home, 2103 Bee Ridge Rd., Columbia 29223. The family would like to thank Dr. Henry Marion, Dr. Robert Smith, Nichole Hendry PA-C, Bill and Nancy Chavious, Chris McPherson, and the many others who provided love and support. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Spring Valley High School Afterschool Tutoring Program or to Pets, Inc. of Columbia. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.