Edigna Driver

Mrs. Edigna (Tina) Knoll Driver of North Charleston, South Carolina passed away on September 20, 2021. Born in the family home on Landsberger Strasse in Furstenfeldbruck, Germany in 1935 to working class parents, she was the fifth child of Simon and Maria Metzger Knoll. Her siblings were Josephine Dimitroca, Simon Knoll, Mariele Williams and Theresa Plott, all preceding her in death.

She was educated in the Catholic School system and was fond of relating stories about the harshness and discipline of the nuns. In quieter times she spoke of how the family survived the ravages of WWII, including seeking the safety of local forests to avoid allied bombing raids. In 1955 she met and married USAF Staff Sergeant Carleton Benjamin Youmans of Hampton, South Carolina. After a brief marriage they divorced. In 1962 she met and married USAF Technical Sergeant Gene Arthur Driver of Wilson, North Carolina. Their marriage and his career saw them stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida, Sembach AFB, West Germany, Robins AFB, Georgia, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, Scott, AFB, Illinois and finally Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Through her amazing efforts as a devoted mother and spouse, she ably supported him throughout his active duty career helping him achieve the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. After retirement they managed several small successful businesses. Always demonstrating a strong work ethic, she worked part time at Woolworth on King St. and Northwoods Mall. After those stores closed, still restless, she worked for Dollar General, stepping away at age 73, only to daycare her grandchildren. Her home was always a sanctuary for any wayward animal including birds, cats, dogs and ducks. She supported the Charleston Animal Society and the SPCA. Her yard work and gardens won numerous yard of the month awards as well as the envy of her neighbors. She was known throughout the family for her culinary skills, making Bavarian dishes palatable to her American family. She demonstrated remarkable patience in offering advice to her children throughout their lives, she could be quite stern and then make you smile. She was a wonderful mother and the very foundation of her family. She is survived by her daughters Tanja Patton (Alan) of Columbia, Missouri, Tina Warhoover (Jim) of O'Fallon, Illinois, son Tony Youmans (Stephany) of Charleston, South Carolina and grandchildren Elliott Patton (Mari Kokadowa), Emilie Ortyl (RJ), Evan Patton (Patrick Kreitler), Jamie Nolden (Wes), Julie Orozco (Javier), Abigail Youmans, Sawyer Youmans and great grandchildren Abram, Sam, Lucy, Jack, James, Jacob, Cameron, Mia and Ava. Her family includes nephews Peter Knoll, Simon Knoll and a niece Rosewitta of Munich, Germany as well as numerous cousins throughout Bavaria. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made on our tribute page at www.mcalister-smith.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445