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Ronda Michelle Wilkes McElveen, of Hartsville, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, just one day shy of her 57th birthday. Born on April 10, 1969, Ronda lived a life rooted in faith, family, and a deep love of music. She attended Columbia College, where she formed lifelong friendships and nurtured her passion for learning, and later shared her musical gifts at Coker University, remaining closely connected to the Hartsville community she always called home. Ronda faithfully served as Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville for more than 35 years. In this role, she led handbell and vocal ensembles of all ages and founded the beloved First Friday Concert Series. Her presence at the church was a constant, marked by quiet leadership, steady devotion, and a gift for making others feel welcomed and at ease. A dedicated educator, Ronda taught music in both public and private schools and spent many years at Coker University as a staff accompanist. There, she accompanied ensembles, vocal students, and ballet classes, while also teaching piano and music education. Her musical talents carried her across the United States and the Caribbean, and most recently to Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. Ronda also served as accompanist for the Coker Civic Chorale, Darlington County Choir, Hartsville-Coker Concert Series, and Hartsville Chamber Ensemble. She taught piano privately, was Chairperson of the Hartsville Chapter of the National Piano Guild, chaired the Hartsville Piano Festival, and remained active in the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. She will be remembered for her grace, warmth, and unwavering loyalty, as well as the quiet strength and gentle humor that made life feel lighter for those around her. Ronda had a way of leaving a lasting impression, one rooted in kindness, faith, and love. She is survived by her loving family: her husband, Greg McElveen of Hartsville; her daughter, Madeline McElveen of Hartsville; her parents, Raymond and Patricia Wilkes of Hartsville; and her brother, Ray Wilkes (Melissa) of Asheville, along with many dear friends who will continue to carry her love forward. A service to celebrate Ronda's life will be held at 11 o'clock on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in First Presbyterian Church, with The Rev. Ashley Cheek officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. A private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. Memorials may be made in her honor to the First Presbyterian Church Music Program, 213 W. Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550. Ronda's life was a testament to faith, love, and quiet strength, and her legacy will live on in every life she touched.

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Mrs. Ronda Wilkes McElveen

April 10, 1969 - April 9, 2026