Llewellyn Hood Kassebaum

Llewellyn Hood Kassebaum of Mount Pleasant, SC died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 17th. She was 80 years old.

Llewellyn was born on August 26, 1936 in Charleston, SC. She was preceded in death by her parents James Albert Hood and Ruth Henderson Hood Smith, her husband of 40 years John Philip Kassebaum, and her step-son Richard Landon Kassebaum.

Llewellyn was an Ashley Hall School twelve-year girl, a most valuable athlete for the Purples, and cherished member of the graduating class of 1954. She attended Hollins College and the College of Charleston. She was a devout member of St. Philip's Church.

Llewellyn epitomized what it means to be a Charlestonian, following in the footsteps of her adored mother Rushie. Always genial, she welcomed lifelong friends and complete strangers into her heart and city. Famous are her stories of summers on Sullivan's Island, full dance cards, and the Charleston of old. She was a sought-after tour guide.

It is impossible to honor Llewellyn without speaking of her pride and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Fondly called Mama Llew, she loved, if not lived, to love us all. Cherished was her husband Phil. All relatives, no matter how distant, received her affection, compassion and loyalty. When we gathered for her annual famed "family beach weeks," it is no exaggeration to say that miracles happened-including double rainbows.

Llewellyn met life's blessings and challenges with a profound sense of humor and positive outlook. She began her fight with cancer over 20 years ago. Against all odds, she survived this prognosis, finally succumbing to a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Her will to live and to love was only matched by her extraordinary courage and grace.

Mama Llew was the heart and soul of a tremendous circle of adoring friends and family and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by step-father Fred Harden Smith of Charleston, her daughter Llewellyn Huger Sinkler (Oscar Shamamian) of New York City, sons George Dana Sinkler, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Mount Pleasant, James Marshall Sinkler (Carline) of South Lake Tahoe, CA, and Huger Sinkler II (Michelle) of Mount Pleasant, her step sons John Philip Kassebaum, Jr. (Sandra) of Mount Pleasant and William Alfred Kassebaum (Jennifer) of Burdick, KS, her step daughter Dr. Linda Kassebaum Johnson of Denver, CO, her brothers James Albert Hood of Mount Pleasant, Robert Holmes Hood (Bernie) and Richard Scott Hood (Nancy) of Charleston, her nine grandchildren Llewellyn Kittredge Shamamian and Isabel Chanler Shamamian of New York City, Judith Legare Sinkler and Alida Canfield Sinkler of Mount Pleasant, Haeli Alexandra Horn (Briar) of Richmond, CA, James Marshall Fuller-Sinkler (Alissa) of Woodacre, CA and Kenzie Ryan of San Rafael, CA, Peter Marshall Sinkler and Anna Huger Sinkler of Mount Pleasant, her seven step grandchildren John Philip Kassebaum III and Elizabeth Heyward Kassebaum of Mount Pleasant, Theo McLeod Kassebaum and Nellie Landon Kassebaum of Burdick, KS and Kristian Philip Johnson, Margaret Theo Johnson and Elsa Dreste Johnson of Denver, CO, many cousins, nephews and nieces, and beloved friends Minh Nguyen and Annette Chamberlain of North Charleston.

A visitation will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Hood, 110 Broad Street, Charleston on Friday August, 18th from 6pm -8pm.

A funeral service will be held at St. Philip's Church in Charleston at 3pm EST on August 19th. Burial will follow in the St. Philip's cemetery. Thereafter a reception will be held at the Carolina Yacht Club. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Donations may be made to Ashley Hall School, 172 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403 or St. Philips Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401.