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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