Lenora Spell Kessler Charleston - Lenora Spell Kessler, 89, passed away on April 29, 2019. She was happily married to Colonel Raymond Amandus Kessler, Jr. for 61 years before he passed away on May 5, 2015. Lenora received a diploma from Columbia Junior College and later attended the College of Charleston. Before getting married she was in the insurance business and was a former President of the Charleston Association of Insurance Women. Lenora loved being with friends and so was involved in numerous clubs including the Women's Council of the Gibbes Art Gallery, The Confederate Home, The Historic Charleston Foundation, The Preservation Society and the Cistern Society of the College of Charleston Foundation. She had been a member of the Garden Club of Charleston, the Ladies Benevolent Society as well as a former member of the UDC and the DAR. She was also a past president of the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. Lenora supported Porter-Gaud School and The College of Charleston and was a devoted member of St. Philip's Church for many, many years. Throughout her life, Lenora sat at a bridge table 2 or 3 times a week until her last year of life. Besides bridge, her hobbies included creating flower arrangements gathered from her garden, genealogy, and hosting parties at home and The Yacht Club. Lenora was also known by family, friends and anyone she knew for making the best southern dinner. During the 1970's and 80's she was a major proponent of the St. Philip's Candlelight Supper Tours where she was known for her shrimp creole, a huge hit year after year. Survivors include a son, Dr. Raymond A. Kessler III and his wife, Lois, and three grandsons; Dr. Raymond Amandus Kessler IV, Stuart Andrew Kessler and his wife, Allie, and James Kirk Sheridan Kessler. She was predeceased by a son, Kirk Sheridan Kessler. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in St. Philip's Churchyard, 142 Church Street, at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow immediately afterwards at the Carolina Yacht Club from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Philip's Church, 142 Church, Charleston, SC 29401. A special thanks to Sandpiper Nursing and Rehabilitation and Amedysis Hospice for their love and support during this difficult time. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Lenora Kessler

10 Entries

Charles Hugo Sheridan Spell II

January 5, 2022

I am very late signing. Knew Cousin Lenora most of her life, but really got to know her later in life. She and I enjoyed many conversations about our Spell and Sheridan Genealogy. And she is still missed to this day. She was an often quite and genteel lady but also a women of strong moral convictions. I most miss having her to work with on Family Genealogy. She was certainly a strong member of "The Greatest Generation". And their passing is our lost.

Glenna Greenslit

May 9, 2019

I knew Lenora through St Philip's church. She will be missed.

May 5, 2019

Yes, Charleston has lost a fine southern lady. Lenora and Ray were among the Rumble's first friends when we landed and Lenora taught us all we needed to know with her big smile and gracious ways. I treasured my visits with her these past 5 years, going out to lunch at the yacht club and our great conversations. The sparkle in her eyes always danced with as much energy and light as her spirit. And did she ever LOVE her children and grand children! Lenora was so very proud of each of you and delighted in telling me all about you. Please know that I am sending my heartfelt condolences your way. I planted my garden on Wednesday for Lenora and I know she knows. Peace, Cathy Rumble Lively

May 1, 2019

Nick and I met Ray and Lenora at CofC functions. And we played bridge occasionally with him and I with her. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family. Nick and Marie Thompson

Jean Waugh

May 1, 2019

Goodbye to a true Southern Lady - my aunt by birth but my friend by choice. I will miss you and our conversations and visits! Am sure there will be a new star in the Southern Sky!

Beverly Stoney

May 1, 2019

Mrs. Kessler always had a big smile upon greeting people. Joe and I send heartfelt sympathy to her family.

Heather Dawson

April 30, 2019

I never knew Miss Lenora in her younger years of multitude endeavors and great accomplishments I knew her in the latter years as a very gracious regal and beautiful woman of God who was a member of St Philips. She always had a kind word to say to me and I so enjoyed looking into her beautiful face and her very gracious and delicate features were elegant even in the latter years praise God she's with Jesus I'm so looking forward to seeing her again in the future in the kingdom of our God God bless Lenora for a life well Lived. I will truly miss her until we meet again and I look forward to conversations with her and the Lord

Susan (Spell) Wedige

April 30, 2019

Sending love to the family of my beautiful Aunt Lenora. We were so glad to see her a few weeks ago when we visited from Nebraska! She's with Uncle Ray now, so at peace again.

Angela Mack

April 30, 2019

The Women's Council of the Gibbes, along with the staff extends our deepest condolences for your loss. We remember Lenora fondly as a long-time supporter of the arts in Charleston.

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