She Magazine JULY 2016 | Page 45

S She journeyed from physical education and coaching basketball to distributive education and state department positions, earning a master’s degree along the way. She holds many students in fond memory, but there was one who stood out. While she was actively involved with the Distributive Education Clubs of America organization and competitions, a young David Coleman caught her attention. She encouraged him to make a run for National Student President. With the help of several thousand donated Dixie Cup holders, an amazing speech, talent, and a dedicated teacher, her student won the national office. After so many years, she had no trouble remembering his name – evidence of a true teacher’s heart? No question. Though she spent her career in the education field, Miss Jewell has been involved in many other areas of Southern life. She not only participates, she leads and inspires. It seems that wherever she goes, Miss Jewell offers her talents, service, and friendship. To name all of her accomplishments and awards would be impossible, given the confines of this space, but here are just a few highlights: • Published author, historian, and poet • Past Regent, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Dillon Chapter • Past Govern or, South Carolina District of Pilot International • South Carolina Distributive Education Clubs of America, Hall of Fame inductee • Winthrop University, Outstanding Alumna in Physical Education • Alumni Board secretary, Winthrop University, two terms • Served on Executive Board, SC State Employees Association • Conway High School Foundation, Outstanding Teacher award recipient Jewell Carmichael’s mother instilled in her a great sense of the importance of faithfulness. She was able to return her mother’s gift by visiting her three times a day during her final five years as a resident of The Pines. She remembers the fateful day of her mother’s stroke as if it were yesterday, which precipitated her move there. On one of her many visits, she recalls her mother telling her she was about to go on a trip. When Jewell asked her where she might be going, her mother replied that she was moving to Heaven. Not long after that statement, her meal tray arrived and, as Jewell recalls, her precious mother stated that she might as well enjoy a bite to eat before her trip. Heaven waited. Because of her mother’s admonitions, Jewell has always made it her purpose to attend church in every place she has lived, but her home church is First Baptist of Dillon. She drives there on Sundays from Florence and can most often be found afterward enjoying a meal in the fellowship of friends at The Charcoal Grill. In 2001, Miss Jewell penned the 110 year history of her beloved First Baptist Church in a book entitled Still a Sentinel: Together Toward Tomorrow. She built upon the work begun earlier by Miss Nancy Owens. In the book’s foreword, the church’s pastor expressed deep appreciation for Miss Jewell’s talent and service. In turn, Miss Jewell dedicated the book to “the glory of God and to the memory of my mother…who instilled in me a desire to be part of the church wherever I resided.” In addition, Miss Jewel has been a faithful participant in Just for Women Ministries, attending most often in Florence, but has been known to drive to Darlington if necessary so as not to miss a single lesson from founder and teacher, Betsy Bird (2015 She Magazine Extraordinary Woman of Faith award recipient). When asked to share her thoughts on Miss Jewell, Betsy graciously and gladly provided the following words of love: “Jewell is a perfect name for her. Her name perfectly describes who she is. She’s a jewel in every way, a priceless jewel. My biggest regret about Jewell is I’ve only known her for 15 years. Of all the people who have attended my Bible Study, she has been one of the most faithful. Every week, I have looked forward to seeing her walk through the door.” When asked what advice she could offer readers about how she has lived such an amazing life of service and dedication, Miss Jewell shared a simple key: Be yourself. Be who and what you are; don’t pretend. One of her favorite quotes is from Shakespeare: “To thine own self be true and it must follow as the night the day; Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Another piece of advice: always love others as God directs your path. Though she has not had a husband or children of her own, she has been blessed with many people in her life – students, co-workers, community, church members, friends and above all, her family. According to Miss Jewell, it is the people in our lives who are important. They are the true treasures. Her home is filled with their photos. Miss Jewell Carmichael is a woman of great talents, humor and kindness, with a foundation of love for everyone she meets. Her niece, Lee Ann Carmichael Calhoun, was delighted to share her thoughts about a much-beloved aunt, including their shared inspiration from the hymn, “Be Strong in the Lord:” “My Aunt Jewell, who, by the way, never wanted me to call her Aunt but Jewell (aka Juju to my grand boys), is such an amazing lady… We lost so many family members in a 10-year  stretch, beginning with my mother when I was 30. I noticed during this most difficult time the strength and faith in God that Jewell  has. My faith grew as well and I’m thankful to her for that… I admire Jewell for her faith and perseverance. We enjoy each other’s company so much  and have laughed, cried, rejoiced and even disagreed, but in the end, we have loved each other. Jewell’s journey can best be described in Philippians 3:14.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Indeed so. Miss Jewell Carmichael, a true Southern belle, continues to press on. And we are grateful. Jewell McRae Carmichael resides in Florence, and keeps a family home in Dillon, SC, where she remains an active member of First Baptist Church. She is retired from the SC Department of Education and continues to enjoy her life in faithful service to God and the people she loves. On July 5th, Miss Jewell celebrates her 95th birthday. SHEMAGAZINE.COM JULY 2016 47