Ms. Hessie Chandler York was born on September 4th, 1950 in Kingstree, SC. She was born to the late David Chandler and the late Dorothy Mae Bostick. Hessie attended the public schools of Florence County, graduating from Carver High School in 1968. At an early age, she joined Wesley United Methodist Church, serving in multiple capacities which included serving as Sunday School Superintendent and on the Usher Board as well as the coordinator of the Friends and Family Day. Hessie was also instrumental in launching the Wesley Food Pantry, which helped to feed the community for many years. Upon graduating from Carver High School, she attended South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC. She then moved to Freeport, NY, where she joined in a union with Nelson York, Sr. From this union Hessie was blessed with four beautiful children. Hessie relocated back home to Lake City, SC in 1980. She discovered her passion for serving others through volunteering with Pee Dee Coalition against domestic violence and sexual assault, and as a Guardian Ad Litem. This led her to pursue a degree in sociology. She graduated with honors from Coker College in Hartsville, SC in 1994 with a B.A. in Sociology. After graduating, she was employed with Willowglen Academy until retirement. During her retirement, she continued to work with children through her employment at the Florence County Alternative Education Center. Hessie leaves to cherish her loving memories: her children, Tonya York (Travis) Burgess (Mint Hill, NC), Nelson (Gwen) York III (Weddington, NC), Pamela York (Florence, SC), and Melva York (Charlotte, NC); Four loving sisters, Lorine Chandler (Lake City, SC), Juanita (Ross) Farrington (Myrtle Beach, SC), Marie (Charles) Gamble (Lake City, SC), and Maryann Hampton (Columbia, SC); Two aunts, Shirley Nesby (Brooklyn, NY) and Rebecca Fulton (Kingstree, SC); an uncle, Brice Chandler (Charleston, SC); six grandchildren, Cameron Gamble, Travis (TJ) Burgess Jr, Aaron Gamble, Ethan Creel, Tamia Burgess, and Andrew James (AJ) York, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.