Tommie Fairey Moody Riewaldt

Tommie Fairey Moody Riewaldt, 95, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Born in Florence, she was a daughter of the late Robert T. Fairey and Bessie Berry Fairey. She grew up in Columbia, SC, graduating from Dreher High School and the University of South Carolina. Following her first marriage, Tommie moved across country to California, where she resided for ten years and had two daughters before moving back to South Carolina. Upon her return, she worked in various administrative roles for different companies before joining the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. She was one of the first advocates for patient rights in mental health, and finished her career in quality assurance for the hospitals within the S.C. Dept. of Mental Health.

Tommie always had a deep love of nature. After retirement, she took classes through Clemson University to become a Certified Master Gardener and, as part of that program, was instrumental in the development of the original children's garden at Clemson Sandhills. As a member of the Native Plant Society, she was an avid nature enthusiast and taught classes on butterfly gardening to many different groups throughout the state. She was also an enthusiastic photographer and a member of the Columbia Photography Club. She took up square dancing where she met her second husband, 'Clare'. When she turned 85, she started classes in acrylic painting and became quite accomplished in her artwork and creativity.

Tommie is survived by her daughters, Pamela Jolley and Karen Moody.

She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence 'Clare' Riewaldt; sister, Iris Trescott; and brother, Robert T. Fairey, Jr.

The family will have a service to be held at a later date and time, and we will update this file with that information when it is available. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sierra Club.