Lynne Hempley Burch

Columbia – Lynne Hempley Burch, age 77, of Columbia, SC passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025. Born on January 11, 1948, in Charlotte, N.C, she was the daughter of Sidney Augustus Hempley and Sara (Justice) Hempley.

She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the oldest of four sisters. She peacefully passed away following a brief health issue.

Throughout Lynne’s earlier life, she had many achievements and passions. She was crowned Miss Columbian of 1963 (Old Columbia High School) as well as being an athlete. She participated in basketball and swimming. Outside of school she excelled in dance and took part in many community affairs. She was a dancer at the Columbia City Ballet. She was choreographer for “West Side Story” and participated in Town Theater productions, such as “South Pacific” and “Bye-Bye Birdie.” She also took part in the work of Lyric & Children’s Theaters and the North Carolina Symphony Ballet Company.

Lynne worked several jobs throughout her life but by far her favorite, due to her love of history was at the South Carolina Archives and History. She loved life and lived it on her own terms. She will be missed greatly and remembered for her free spirit.

She is survived by daughter Sara R. Sellers (Hans), granddaughter Jordan Smith-Burch (Cory), grandson Chase Sellers (Karis), great grandson Greyson Sellers, sisters Jayne Holland (Pete), Gayle Burley (John), Kaye Shipley, five nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by husband Harvey Lee Burch, father Sidney Augustus Hempley, mother Sara Justice Hempley, son Brian Harvey Burch and brother-in-law Dr. Fred Shipley.

Service information will be announced at a later date.

The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, Kim Brown for always being there, Bayada Home Health Care and the Lowman Home for their loving care and friendship. In addition, we would like to thank Lexington Medical Center ICU nurses Maddie, Madison, Taylor, all the other nurses that took such good care of her and MSA Hospice for their care and support.