Mrs. Chessye Baughman Powell

Chessye Baughman Powell, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend left this world peacefully on January 2, 2024, at age 82 after an illness. Chessye was born to Lonnie Jessie Baughman, Jr., and Myrtis Hightower Baughman on June 1, 1941, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. After graduating from Orangeburg High School, Chessye attended Newberry College in South Carolina and then worked for the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as an executive assistant to Chief J.P. “Pete” Strom. During her time there she helped develop the first training class on arson for use by fire and police officials around the state. She later returned home to Orangeburg, South Carolina and met Roy, the love of her life, at Smith Corona Manufacturing where they were both employed. Chessye served for 34 years with the United States House of Representatives as District Manager for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, retiring in 2001. She began her service under Congressman Albert Watson in 1967 and continued with his successor, Congressman Floyd Spence (elected in 1971). She was dedicated to her job and enjoyed helping everyone who called or passed through the office doors. Chessye often observed that she had been guided by the motto: ``When duty calls, you have to rise to the occasion.'' She always rose to the occasion, whatever the circumstances. Upon her retirement, she took up golf. It was not a sport which came easily to her, but she was determined to be able to enjoy playing with her husband Roy and over time she came to love the game and the wonderful community of friends they found at Calhoun Country Club. She set “personal bests” in her game that someone half her age would find challenging, including playing 72 holes of golf on her 65th birthday. She loved her friends at Calhoun Country Club and her church family at First Baptist Church, Saint Matthews, where she served as Second Grade Sunday School Teacher, Church Treasurer, Bereavement Committee chair, and organizer, recruiter, and head cheerleader for the morning exercise class. Earnestly knitting winter caps for merchant seamen was just a small way she found to quietly minister to the world. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Roy Powell. She is survived by her son, Greg (and Kristen) of Atlanta; daughter Allyn of Columbia; grandchildren Landon, Tanner, Mathis, and Keaton; and many loving cousins and friends (opening her heart to Don and Ben). A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Powell will be held at 1:30 o’clock on Saturday, January 13th, at First Baptist Church, 1410 Bridge St, St Matthews, SC 29135. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church social hall. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 348, St. Matthews, SC 29135.

Tributes

Mrs. Chessye Baughman Powell

June 1, 1941 - January 2, 2024