Luzie Charlotte Arnold (97), of Columbia, South Carolina, passed peacefully on February 8, 2025 at her residence, with family by her side.

Luzie was born on October 9, 1927, in Bunzlau, Germany to Maxamillion and Frieda (Finger) Burke. Luzie grew up in Germany with four brothers and one sister. During her teen years, she and her family were survivors of being displaced refugees, traveling through Germany, during WWII. Shortly after they found a safe place, she was working as a housekeeper for an American military family when she met her husband Richard, an American Soldier, during the war. After getting married, Luzie lived and traveled many places until she, Richard and their daughter Ramona, finally settled in Columbia, SC.

Luzie had an incredible work ethic and had the opportunity of many professions, including being a chemist as a young woman, accounting, a merchandise inventory specialist for the military, and even continued working into her late eighties at a local doctor’s office.

Her charisma was infectious and left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. She was compassionate, loved to share stories of her childhood and her parents, and was determined to pass her values to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of her peers may have called her by her name, but to almost everyone who knew her, she quickly became “Grandma” or “GG”. She was a faithful follower of God and devoted time and effort to her Church. Luzie loved nothing more than spending time and laughing with family and friends and will be deeply missed, but always remembered. 

Luzie is survived by:

Her Granddaughter, Sabrina Faircloth and her Grandson, Leon Engom (Kathy)

Her Son-in-Law, Roger Engom

Her Great Grandchildren, Collin Engom (Krystyna), Danny Ogas, Kristin Engom and Nicholas Engom

Her Great Great Granddaughter, Lynnlee Engom

She was preceded in death by:

Her parents, Maximilian and Frieda Burke

Husband, Richard Arnold

Daughter, Ramona Engom

Luzie’s family will receive friends for a visitation on February 17, 2025 from 5 PM-6 PM. Funeral services will follow immediately from 6 PM-7 PM at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Rd. Columbia, SC 29209.