Alyce Youmans Kozma

Alyce Youmans Kozma, 74, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, after a period of declining health. Born on August 9, 1950, to Michael Lawson Youmans and Helen Jackson Youmans, Alyce navigated life with blunt humor, a touch of grumpiness, and an unwavering love for a budget-friendly oceanfront condo.

She grew up in a home on Crenshaw Street in Newberry, South Carolina, where her father ran the Newberry Steam Laundry and Dry Cleaning Company. Alyce attended St. Margaret’s School, an all-girls high school in Tappahannock, Virginia. Her time at St. Margaret’s remained one of her fondest memories, and she loved reconnecting with her classmates at reunions.

Alyce earned a degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina, which led her to a job at The State in Columbia, where she met her husband, Peter Michael (Mike) Kozma II, who preceded her in death. She and Mike were married for 52 years in a partnership marked by a deep commitment to one another and a decades-long mastery of the fine art of bickering. Alyce had a knack for getting her way, whether it was ensuring her Diet Cokes were prepared with just the right amount of ice or persuading Mike to turn down his music.

A lifelong beachgoer, Alyce treasured the traditions she cultivated over the years. Her trips to the Carolina coast revolved around fried seafood, ice cream, and long drives with Mike, reminiscing about past beach rentals and favorite restaurants. Her paradise was an affordable Myrtle Beach condo with an ocean-view balcony and a late check-out time.

Alyce had a soft spot for pint-sized, yappy dogs. She adored her pups, spoiling them with treats until they resembled little beach balls. She leaves behind cherished memories of Ocho, Smokey, Fasha, Leon, Katie, Prince, Chester, Remy, Sula, CJ, and a few others her family may have forgotten to mention. Her pets held a special place in her heart, often winning her affection in ways humans rarely could.

She is survived by her daughters, Cara Kozma Tsitouris (Alex Tsitouris) and Michelle Kozma (Robert Jones); her five grandsons, Akarion and Michael Kozma, and Jackson, Cameron, and Weston Tsitouris; and her sister, Barbara Youmans Beck.

To honor Alyce, the family invites you to do the things she loved most: treat your pets (even if they don’t need it), savor a fried seafood platter, or find an off-season deal on a condo with an ocean view.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a nonprofit organization of your choice.