Janice McCoy Obituary

Janice Palmer Gardner McCoy passed peacefully in Murrells Inlet on August 27th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Janice was born in Reidsville, NC, on August 11th, 1936. She was the eldest daughter of the late William Palmer and Jane Tugwell Palmer. She grew up near her very devoted grandparents while doting on her little sister, Patsy. Tragically, Janice and her little sister contracted Polio in the 1940s, and little Patsy was taken by the disease. They moved to Myrtle Beach soon after, where they ran the Cypress Villa next to the 2nd Ave pier. Janice attended Myrtle Beach High School, where she excelled academically and socially. She was an extremely talented soloist, with an angelic soprano voice that would carry her on to become Miss Myrtle Beach High in 1957 and later that year Miss Myrtle Beach. Subsequently, the Miss South Carolina pageant was held at the old MB Pavilion that year. Janice would not claim that title, but she did fall in love and marry James M. Gardner in September of 1957. They were married at First United Methodist Church, where they both served loyally and raised their family. Janice was a beloved member of the Chancel Choir there and later at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet, where she remains a member. Over several decades her gorgeous and powerful voice has graced hundreds of weddings and blessed the families of the dearly departed. Janice also worked in multiple positions at both of her churches, serving the pastoral staff. Janice is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was also a volunteer with the Grand Strand Hospital Auxiliary. Janice loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises to places all over the World and RV camping trips across America with her 2nd husband, the late Leonard T. McCoy and later with her dear friend, the late Bob Graham. She was predeceased by her parents and Sister Patsy Palmer, her beloved Aunt Willie James and special first cousin, David James. Janice is survived by her 3 daughters, Patsy G. Alexander, Cathryn Gardner (Patrick Fulton), Gwin G. McKinnon (Lee Arthur), and one son, James Madison "Matt" Gardner, Jr. (Heidi), and 6 grandchildren, Wiley Alexander, Madison Alexander, Haley Moore Childs, Kady McKinnon, Patrick McKinnon, Sidney McKinnon and a step-granddaughter, Hailey Fulton. Janice is also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, Marley, Carson, Liam, Skyler, Alana, Ari Eli, Margo, Ophelia, Aspen and Verity. Memorials can be made in her name to Belin Memorial United Methodist Church...a private burial will be held for the family. To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.