08/23/2026
Kaye Cleveland Chafin
Kaye Cleveland Chafin, 87, passed into eternal life at home on August 22, 2026 in the arms of her beloved husband of over 68 years, William V. Chafin, Jr. She was born June 28, 1939 in Athens, GA to the late Olin C. and Elizabeth Cowan Cleveland, and was a 7th generation descendent of one of Hart County’s pioneer families.
Kaye graduated from Hart County High School where she was cheerleading captain. She earned both a B.S. and an M.Ed. in Special Education from Middle Tennessee State University. She retired as a Middle School Special Education teacher from Whitthorne MS in Columbia, TN where she and Bill resided for over 30 years and raised their three children.
Once retired, Kaye and Bill moved back home to Hartwell, GA. Her quiet faith led her to serve as co-chair of the Hospitality Committee at Hartwell 1st Methodist, where she was a regular at the 9 a.m. service and Sunday School. She also served on the Hart County Library Board and was a member of Quilters from the Hart, Hartwell Women’s Club and John Benson Chapter of the DAR.
An avid Atlanta Braves fan, she watched as many games as possible, and was the recipient of a day at the baseball diamond with her entire family on the occasion of their 60th (diamond) wedding Anniversary. She and Bill were mentioned on the jumbotron and she got to meet some players.
Her favorite order at The Varsity was two chili dogs and a large frosted orange. She also loved Blizzards from DQ.
Kaye’s children credit her with fostering the close relationship among her nine grandchildren. She and Bill hosted the extended family as often as possible which created a loving and happy place for cousins to become friends. She recorded the family’s history in pictures through many beautiful scrapbooks.
Kaye is survived by her husband, Bill; their three children, Sally (Jerry) LeSage of Hardeeville, SC; Mary Kaye (John) Woods of Burns, TN; and Will (Amber) Chafin of Aiken, SC; and nine grandchildren, Sara Lynn (Aroua Gharbi) LeSage, Annie LeSage, Audrey LeSage, Lydia Woods (Jackson) Farris, John Henry Woods, Mary Helen (Baylor) Frazier; Emily Chafin (Jesse) Quimby, Reid Chafin and Anna Grace Chafin.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at the home.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Kaye C. Chafin will be Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Matt Parker officiating. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Methodist Church, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643 or to the Bell Family YMCA, 281 Opal Street Extension, Hartwell, GA 30643.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements
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