Kathryn “Kitty” Wise Baxley, age 97, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. She was the loving wife for 73 years of the late Daniel Carlyle Baxley. Kitty is survived by her children Lynn Baxley Doster (Douglas) of Cameron, SC, Ann Baxley Carpenter of Richmond, VA, Daniel Carlyle Baxley, Jr. (Dorothy) of Staunton, VA. Kitty was predeceased by her son, Charles Burke Baxley (Judy) and grandson, Burke Baxley. She is also survived by grandchildren Richard Potter (Rebekah), Caroline Chambers (Geoff), Katie Carpenter (Jonathan Newman), Liz Carpenter, Brantley Doster (Ashley), Anna Lynn Moore (Christian), Liz Crowder (Michael), and Willson Baxley and her much-loved great grandchildren.

Born and raised in Little Mountain, SC, Kitty was the only child of Burke Miller and Annie Rast Wise. She was a 1947 graduate of Columbia College with a B.A. in Social Services. Soon after graduation, Kitty met the love of her life, Dan Baxley. They started a family which grew to four children.

Confidently balancing family, work outside the home, and civil service, Kitty began her career with the Department of Social Services and continued for 30 years. She served as board member for Columbia College and many other county and state-wide organizations. She and Dan were founding members of Kershaw Habitat for Humanity. Upon her retirement as Kershaw County Director, she was honored as “A Palmetto Lady” through the Order of the Palmetto. Kitty was the recipient of other awards including Career Woman of the Year for Kershaw County, Who’s Who of American Women, and District Family of the Year in 1987.

Kitty’s love of music, both singing and piano, became a metaphor for her life. She believed in “playing the full keyboard.” Christian faith and active participation in St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church were cornerstones. She enjoyed travel with Dan, visiting over 30 countries and all 50 states. Bridge games and visits to Fox Knob Farm in Grayson County, VA and Pelican Porch, Edisto Island, SC were shared with friends and relatives. Above all, Kitty was committed to the love and devotion of her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. The family extends their thanks to Kitty’s many caregivers, including Legacy, Karesh Long Term Care, MSA Hospice, ABC Caregivers, and Amedisys.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Kitty’s memory to St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church and Kershaw Habitat For Humanity. Funeral services will be held at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, Camden, SC on Wednesday, May 28 at 11 AM. A family burial service will follow at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Mountain, SC.