Altha "Tina" Bostic Hartzog

Altha B. ”Tina” Hartzog, 85, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Whitmire, SC, to James Mozelle Bostic and Verdi Mae Bostic (nee Trent), Altha was the youngest of eight children (along with her fraternal twin, Alfred). As the family's tiny baby girl, Altha Pawnee Bostic became "Teensy". When, in her late teens, she moved to Columbia, "Teensy" became "Tina"; though she remains Teensy to her brothers Pete and Frank, and many other friends and family.

After a time employed in waitress and receptionist jobs, Tina landed a job at Allied Chemical. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Hartzog. Together, they embarked on a journey of love, entrepreneurship, and rearing children. Early in their marriage they established the Gingerbread House Nursery daycare and kindergarten, which they owned and operated for over 30 years. The lives of many hundreds of children were positively impacted through the loving care provided by "Miss Tina" - relationships that in some cases continue to this day.

For 57 years as their bond grew stronger, Bob and Tina lovingly raised four sons, who they cherished above all else. But her legacy extends beyond immediate family, having cared for numerous neighborhood friends and others in need, all of whom became part of their extended family.

She didn't quite understand it herself - humble to a fault - but everyone loved Tina. She was a treasure to us all. We're poorer for her loss.

Tina is survived by her children: Eugene Downs, Ron (Cathy) Downs, Robert (Kara) Hartzog, and Randall (Kelli) Hartzog; and brothers Pete and Frank. She leaves behind five grandchildren, Leland Hartzog, Luke Hartzog, Britt Hartzog, Ronnie Downs, and Sara Downs. She was predeceased by her brothers, Bud and Alfred, and sisters, Nadine, Lola, and Ethel.

Tina's presence will be dearly missed, but the memories she created will forever remain in our hearts.

A funeral service for Altha Hartzog will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 20, at the Mausoleum Chapel of Woodridge Memorial Park,138 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington, SC 29072. Interment in Woodridge Memorial Park will follow the service.