Kellie Tisdale Sauls, 55, of Blythewood, S.C., passed away at home peacefully on May 3, 2025. Kellie was born to George “Butch” and Glenda Tisdale on August 21, 1969, in Sumter, South Carolina and raised in Chapin.
Kellie graduated from The University of South Carolina where she received a bachelor’s degree in humanities and social services. Kellie furthered her education by enrolling in the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her paralegal certification and, over the next eight years, Kellie worked as a paralegal for the Richland County Solicitor’s Office, Criminal Defense Attorney Jack Swerling, and the South Carolina Senate.
While working as a paralegal, Kellie developed an interest in the nursing field after working on a high profile case involving several instances of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Kellie found herself exposed to medical records and medical expert testimonies that profoundly shaped her life. Once more, she found herself in a classroom and received her associate’s degree in Nursing from Midlands Technical College in December 2002.
Kellie began her nursing career working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Palmetto Health-Richland. She worked in this role for 11 years. Kellie later transitioned to the role of NICU case manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare.
In 2019, Kellie wanted to return to clinical nursing. “Nurse Sauls,”as she was affectionately called, was hired as the school nurse for Killian Elementary School.
Kellie had the privilege and honor to serve Killian students and staff for six years. Kellie was a compassionate nurse, and her dedication to her school children was unparalleled. To know Kellie was to love her. Her faith was unwavering, her laugh was contagious, and her compassion was remarkable.
Kellie was predeceased by her young brother, George H. Tisdale III.
Kellie is survived by her husband, James “Jimmy” Robert Sauls, her two children, Emma and Jay Sauls; her parents, George “Butch” and Glenda Tisdale of Chapin; her sister, Beth Drafts (Ryan) of Evans, Ga.; and her brother, Chris Tisdale (Amanda) of Chapin, S.C. Kellie is also survived by her nine nieces and nephews, a loving extended family, and her many, many friends who have carried her through life.
A funeral service was held for Kellie at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Chapin Christian Community Church, 415 Lexington Avenue, Chapin, SC 29036. The family received guests prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Per Kellie’s wishes, memorial contributions may be made to https://kellie-sauls-scholarship. cheddarup.com/. Thank you to those both near and far who have been a part of Kellie’s life. She was a gift to all who knew her.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel is assisting the family.
Loading Comments