02/26/2026
Elraedorne “Elrae” Dutton Poucher was born on May 7, 1935, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the only child of Colonel Shelley Earle Dutton and Marie Doris Dutton. Her distinctive name (her father’s name, Earle, spelled backwards) was chosen in anticipation of a son, but it ultimately suited the strong and commanding daughter who would carry it with confidence throughout her life.
Because of her father’s military career, Elrae spent her early years living across the United States and in Japan before settling in Columbia, South Carolina, where her father served as a commander at Fort Jackson. Those formative years shaped her independence, adaptability, and unwavering sense of self. She graduated from Dreher High School and attended the University of South Carolina.
In 1954, she married Dean Joseph Poucher. Together they had two children, Tina and Jay. Following her divorce, Elrae demonstrated remarkable strength and determination, raising her children and ensuring both graduated from college, an accomplishment she held with great pride.
At her core, Elrae was an artist. She began her career as a floral designer at Taylor’s Garden Center, where she was known for her beautiful floral arrangements and Christmas décor.
In the 1990s, she owned and operated Carolina Bridal, where she dressed countless brides throughout the Columbia area. Known for her refined eye, impeccable taste, and strong point of view, she helped shape some of the most important days in the lives of many families. Brides did not simply purchase gowns; they sought her vision.
Her artistic reach extended far beyond bridal fashion. During her daughter’s years with the local ballet company (now Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet) Elrae was deeply involved behind the scenes. An exquisite seamstress and designer, she created beautiful handmade costumes and generously shared her talents with the company. Years later, when her granddaughter, Shelley, danced with the same organization, she continued that tradition, lovingly crafting original costumes and contributing her gifts wherever needed. Generations of dancers stepped onto the stage wearing her work.
She could paint nearly anything. She decorated homes for the holidays with effortless elegance. Her floral designs were particularly remarkable. Her arrangements reflected her instinct for color, balance, and drama. She believed flowers should be expressive and intentional, and those who knew her well understood one unwavering rule: you would never find a carnation in her arrangements. Her standards were high, and her taste was unmistakable. Even in later years, she continued creating arrangements for Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, offering beauty as a quiet and faithful form of service.
Another of her passions was her wonderful sense of style which she demonstrated during her later years at Chico’s clothing store, earning a ten-year service award. She was well known by many of her customers who would come into the store for her fashion advice.
Elrae was known for her commanding presence, and her willingness to share her opinion, whether it was requested or not. She could hold a conversation with anyone and never hesitated to offer her perspective. Those closest to her will miss her candor, her intelligence, and her unfiltered point of view.
Later in life, she met one of the true loves of her life, Bill Fogleman. The years they shared together were among her happiest. Their time was filled with companionship, laughter, and deep affection. Though his passing brought great sorrow, the joy they found in one another remained a cherished chapter of her life.
Above all, she loved her family. She adored her grandchildren and was supportive and dependable in their lives, offering guidance, encouragement, and, often, her well-considered opinion. Whether warmly received or not, her counsel always came from conviction and care.
She is survived by her daughter, Tina Stokes (Al); her son, Jay Poucher; her grandchildren, Bill Stokes, Shelley Stokes, and Deana Poucher; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Elrae leaves behind a legacy of artistry, strength, style, and spirited conversation. The stages she adorned, the brides she dressed, the homes she beautified, and the family she shaped will continue to reflect her influence for years to come. She leaves behind a world made more beautiful by her standards, her strength, and her unmistakable point of view.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206 or Anne Brodie’s Carolina Ballet, 914 Pulaski St. Columbia, SC 29201.
A 2:00 graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209 followed by a celebration of life at the Stokes home.
