Esther Jennings Baughman, 79, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025. She was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, and friend, whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of many.
Esther dedicated much of her life to serving others. She began her career with the Fairfield County Council on Aging, where she played an instrumental role in establishing programs such as Meals on Wheels, congregate dining sites, and travel tours for retirees. She later pursued her passion for fine cuisine as the owner and manager of Fresh Pasta-Bilities in Columbia, SC, where she became a trusted resource for gourmet takeout. In addition, she worked as a respected realtor, assisting buyers and sellers throughout Fairfield and surrounding counties.
Among her many accomplishments, Esther was especially proud of her time as the Director of the Fairfield County Youth Choir from 1972 to 1980. This interdenominational choir brought together 120 young singers from across the county, fostering not only musical talent but also lifelong friendships. The choir’s lasting impact is evident in the continued reunions of its former members, a testament to the profound influence she had on their lives.
Music remained a central part of Esther’s life. As the organist for First United Methodist Church, she was a dedicated and talented musician who played for weekly services, weddings, and funerals. She was also instrumental in the acquisition of the church’s Kegg Organ, ensuring a lasting contribution to its worship services. She continued to share her musical gifts until last summer, when her health prevented her from playing.
Esther believed in living a full and meaningful life, guided by the philosophy that life is divided into thirds—one-third what you have to do, one-third what you want to do, and one-third what you “ought” to do. She embraced this balance with grace and dedication, always making time for those she loved. She was known for her warmth and kindness, often reminding those around her, “You know who loves you,” a sentiment that will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband, James H. Baughman; her sister Barbara Jennings Douglas (Will); her sister-in-law Joann Hooper (Ashley); as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert H. and Merrill Turner Jennings, her sister Merrill Jennings Wood, and her brother Robert H. Jennings, Jr.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro, SC. Overflow seating will be available in the church fellowship hall. Service will be live streamed and will be available to view from the Facebook page of Pope Funeral Home. A reception will be held following the service at the Winnsboro Old Armory, 300 Park Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church, Winnsboro, SC and the Fairfield County Council on Aging.
Pope Funeral Home is honored to assist the Baughman family.
