Helen McElmurray Baynham

North Augusta, SC—Mrs. Helen McElmurray Baynham, 96, peacefully entered into rest at her home surrounded by her family on March 14, 2018. Funeral Services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Posey Funeral Chapel. Rev. Craig Baynham and Mr. Mark Baynham officiating. Interment in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Baynham was born on November 23, 1921 in Beech Island, South Carolina to James Anderson and Charlotte Lee McElmurray. She spent her youth in Beach Island enjoying her passion which was horseback riding. Mrs. Baynham rode her horse “Betty” every day before school and played the piano and organ at Beech Island First Baptist Church from the time she was 12 until graduating from high school. Mrs. Baynham attended Stetson College in Deland, Florida for two years where she was a member of the Chorale Club that sang at the World’s Fair. After two years, she transferred to the University of Georgia where she graduated with an BA degree in English and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. At UGA, she met and later married Mark Andrew Baynham, Sr. Her home was in North Augusta, where she resided until 2010, before moving to Augusta. She returned to North Augusta in 2017. Mrs. Baynham was a member of First Baptist Church North Augusta for 74 years and was an active member, teaching Sunday school classes, playing piano, teaching in the Homebound Ministry and participating in mission trips. Her most memorable trip was to Iringa, Tanzania where she, her husband and her son Mark traveled to help build a mission center under the leadership of her beloved pastor, Dr. Charles Page. Mrs. Baynham was a wonderful cook, homemaker, bridge player and avid traveler. Her favorite destination, second only to Africa, was Australia. She will most be remembered as a loving mother and strong Christian whose goal was to instill a belief in Christ to her children, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Mark Andrew Baynham, Sr., her brother John Edward McElmurray and her sister Julia McElmurray Reddic. Survivors include two sons, Gordon Craig Baynham (Linnie) and Mark Andrew Baynham (Nancy), all of North Augusta, SC; a daughter, Kathy Baynham Thornton (John), Augusta, GA; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Matt Baynham, Grant Baynham, Jay Thornton, John McElmurray and Wayne Baynham. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday afternoon from 5 until 7. A special thank you to John McElmurray, Kathryn Menger and Debbie McElmoyle who all maintained a close relationship with their Aunt. Also our praises go to Latrice West, Joan Scott, Belinda Brooks, Synethea Council, Shirley Smalley and Cindy Anathanalous for their loving care to our mother in her last year’s. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803.278.1181). Visit the registry at www.PoseyCares.com

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Helen McElmurray Baynham

November 23, 1921 - March 14, 2018