Obituary of Kay Syms Leitner

Kay Syms Leitner, 83, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2021, surrounded by her children.  Ms. Leitner was born in Fort Worth, Texas on February 25, 1938.  She was the daughter of Frank and Olive Syms of Easley, SC.

Ms. Leitner was a graduate of Easley High School, Furman University, Duke University Medical School of Physical Therapy, and the University of South Carolina.

Ms. Leitner was a charter member of Northeast United Methodist Church where she served as Lay Leader, Sunday School teacher, student and teacher of Disciple Bible studies and Christian Believer, as well as, chairman of the church's Administrative Council.  She sang in the Chancel Choir, served on the Long-range Planning Committee, the Staff/Pastor/Parish Relations committee, was a youth ministries partner, and was a veteran of Salkehatchie Summer Missions projects.  She was also active in the Emmaus of the Midlands community doing various activities from working the kitchen to serving as Lay Director.   

Ms. Leitner started her working career as a physical therapist at Prisma Health Baptist.  After an injury, she attended USC to study Broadcast Journalism.  She worked for a local cable company, as well as WIS-TV.  She found her passion in victim's rights and became a certified Victim Assistant Specialist.  She was committed to working for equal representation for crime victims.  She served many terms on the Crime Victim Advisory Board.  She chaired the Juvenile Justice Legislative Committee and the Spiritual Needs of Crime Victims Committee for the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network.  She served on the steering committee for Citizens Advocating Decency and a Revival of the Ethics, as well as, edited the monthly newsletter for the organization for several years.  She was employed in many aspects of Crime Victim Assistance from Mothers Against Drunk Driving to the Columbia Police Department.

Ms. Leitner is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David Christian and Sarah Hall Leitner of Goose Creek, SC; daughter and son-in-law, Katherine Leitner Madison and Michael Fleet Madison, of Columbia, SC and Greensboro, NC; granddaughters Ashley Stewart Leitner and Hannan Maewynn Leitner of Goose Creek, SC; and several much loved cousins.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Kay Leitner will be held on 07/10/2021 at 2 p.m. at Northeast United Methodist Church located at 4000 Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229.  The family will be available after the service. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Ms. Leitner's name may be made to Northeast UMC.  

Family and friends may sign the online tribute wall at www.southcarolinacremation.com