Rachel Giesy Chesser

Rachel (Giesy) Chesser, 52, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, January 25, 2024. She was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2022. 

Born in northern Virginia, Rachel earned a Master of Arts in United States History from George Mason University and received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Emory and Henry College. 

She began her working life by following her father into the world of summer camp. Being a counselor at Camp Alta Mons in Shawsville, VA, set a pattern for her future. After receiving her Masters, Rachel moved to Charleston in 1999. She began her professional career in public relations, marketing and events for the Charleston Museum and later the Charleston Men’s Chorus. In 2016, she joined the ETV Endowment of South Carolina in 2016, eventually becoming the Director of Planned Giving. She loved everything about public radio and television, especially its members.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Timothy Chesser; her son Patrick and daughter Jocelyn; her mother, Rosemary Giesy; her sister Rhea Dexter; and extended family. She is predeceased by her father, Robert Morris Giesy.

Those who knew Rachel best will remember her curiosity, enthusiasm and genuineness. She loved spending time with her friends, her family, and her two hounds. All of us miss her.  

Her funeral service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street, Charleston, SC 29401, at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ETV Endowment of South Carolina at www.etvendowment.org or Carolina Coonhound Rescue at www.carolinacoonhoundrescue.com/donate.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. 

The service will be available via live-stream by going to www.bethelcharleston.com/live-stream.