CHAPIN — Laurie Elizabeth Trexler died Thursday, July 31, 2008, after a long and valiant fight against leukemia (CLL).

Laurie Elizabeth was born August 26, 1949, in Anderson, SC. She was the loving daughter of H. Flowe Trexler Sr. and Jimmie Kelley Trexler of Barnwell, SC. Prior to moving to Barnwell with her family, she was already winning hearts with those bright blue eyes and beautiful smile by being chosen Little Miss Clemson. This was a title that was hard to live down in later years as a loyal Gamecock.

Following her graduation from Barnwell High School in 1967, Laurie moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina. She received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education in 1972. Being selected to sing in the USC Concert Choir and Chorus directed by Dr. Arpad Daraz was a special honor during her college years. Laurie was also the former Miss Barnwell 1967. After graduation, Laurie taught various grades at Springfield, Blaney Elementary Schools and Virginia Pack Elementary Schools before joining the staff of North Springs Elementary School in Richland School District II. She retired from teaching in 1998.

One of Laurie’s true passions was interior design, which led her back to the University of South Carolina for a second B.A. in fine arts in 1983. She was a past member of ASID. Many homes in Columbia and on Hilton Head Island were made more beautiful because of her natural instinct for space planning, color and attention to details.

Her parents of Barnwell; her twin nephews, Geoffrey and Justin Maxey Trexler, both of Spartanburg; sister-in-law, Calla Maxey Trexler of Spartanburg; and her loving family in Chapin, Linda Bowers, Big Red, Bailey and Buddy survive her. Her brother, H. Flowe Trexler Jr. and her beloved nephew, Jonathan Maxey Trexler of Spartanburg preceded her in death.

Laurie was blessed to have been in the care of Dr. Phillip Baldwin of South Carolina Oncology Associated. His skills, knowledge, determination and patience brought her much peace and comfort. To Dr. Baldwin’s staff, Lillian, Tess, Wendy, Alsha and Johnnie in the lab, thank you. Laurie would leave SCOA after the most agonizing appointment and say, “I just love them!” Your support and care meant the world to her and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Barnwell Presbyterian Church, PO Box 446, Barnwell, SC 29812, or the SCSPCA, 12 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.

Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell is assisting the family with these arrangements.

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