Talley Smith Wannamaker

Published 12:07 pm Friday, June 6, 2025

Columbus—Talley Smith Wannamaker, 89, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, June 9, 2025, at Tryon Estates Chapel, Columbus, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, June 13, 2025, at St. Matthews Parish Church in Ft. Motte, SC. The burial will follow in West End Cemetery in St. Matthews, SC. The family will receive friends same day as the funeral services at 2:00 pm in the Parish Hall. 

Talley was born in Sandersville, GA, the daughter of the late Talley Elias Smith and Sarah Neal Smith. She grew up in Orangeburg County, SC, and attended Randolph Macon Women’s College, Lynchburg, VA, before happily marrying Wesley Keitt Wannamaker of St. Matthews, SC, on February 15, 1958. Her family and friends will always remember her delicious holiday fudge and divinity but can’t agree whether her coconut, caramel or goody cakes were the best. After her children left for college, Talley worked at Gifts and Fashions, then taught seventh and eighth grade math at Calhoun Academy before returning to college herself to graduate with honors and a B.A in mathematics. Throughout her life, Talley was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church. She served faithfully where she resided – at the Church of the Redeemer in Orangeburg, SC, the St. Matthews Parish Church in Ft. Motte, SC, and Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda, NC; and her roles varied as needed, from organist and teacher to Daughter of the King chairperson to board member for the Lake Logan Episcopal Center. Always enjoying a challenging game, Talley played duplicate bridge, completed the daily crossword puzzle for over forty years, and rarely missed a Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy show.  Known for her gracious and curious spirit, she made it a point to welcome new faces wherever she resided and to stay in touch with old friends and family through Facebook and phone calls after moving to Tryon Estates in 2019. Her 100% cotton baby blankets with crocheted borders are still treasured by many.  

Talley is survived by her daughters, Dr. Luci Neal Daley of Inman, SC and Talley Keitt Kayser (Mark) of Tryon, NC; daughter-in-law, Becky English Wannamaker of Baton Rouge, LA; and seven grandchildren, Sarah Megan Daley of Phoenix, AZ, Bradley Neal Daley (Taryn) of Charlotte, NC, Talley Virginia Kayser of Reno, NV, Dr. Dietrich Whitfield Kayser (Inma) of Kettering, OH, Sarah English Wannamaker of Houston, TX, Ann Wesley Wannamaker of Baton Rouge, LA, and Rebecca Grace Wannamaker of New Orleans, LA.  Talley was predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Wesley Keitt Wannamaker; devoted son, Wesley Keitt Wannamaker, Jr.; brother, Watt Elias Smith II; and son-in-law, Dr. Bradley Lee Daley. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthews Parish Church, P.O. Box 447, St. Matthews, SC 29135, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dukesharleyfuneralhome.com or https://www.facebook.com/Dukes-Harley-Funeral-Home-and-Crematory-304968586272868

Dukes-Harley Funeral Home

Orangeburg, SC