Paula Eckert Thrush

Paula Eckert Thrush, 61, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven.  Paula was an active member at Palmetto Community Church in Charleston, (West Ashley) SC, along with her sister Julie Thrush.

Born on March 5, 1962, in Charleston, SC, she was the daughter of the late Ludine Oliver Eckert and the late Lester Paul  Eckert.

Paula is survived by her sister, Julie Thrush; niece, Charleigh Graham; and great-nephew, Sylas Graham.

Paula celebrated life every day!  She was a beacon of love and light, always having a kind word, a smile or a hug to give. She went out of her way to help people – it did not matter who or the situation.  Paula was passionate about helping the less fortunate in our area and arranged pickup and delivery of food to several homeless shelters, and worked in their kitchens monthly.   She also helped feed the homeless and hungry by contributing time and food to “Potluck in the Park” events in downtown Charleston.  She organized a Good Deeds Day event that was a bigger success than anyone could have imagined!  Paula would also gather personal supplies for men and women (toiletries and other personal care items) and would drive around to scope out those in need, stop, get out of the car to give them out (she feared nothing) – and to let them know that she loved them, but most importantly, of God’s love for them.  Her favorite charity is the Lowcountry Food Bank; she contributed to their cause monthly without fail.

Paula had such a big heart and shared it with everyone she encountered.  It did not matter who or what situation she was put in, she always wanted to help. Paula would want everyone to remember her by performing RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS (it is easy) when you find the opportunity and to remember that:

                                                     "EVERYWHERE YOU GO IS A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE WORLD! 

                                                                                             ONE SMILE, 

                                                                                                ONE HUG, 

                                    ONE ACT OF KINDNESS CAN MAKE THE WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE!"

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.   (Matthew 5:16)

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Palmetto Community Church, 1965 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lowcountry Food Bank – 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405 – 843-747-8146. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.