Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Monday the Midlands mourned the loss of a woman who dedicated her life to serving others.
"She had a way that when you sat down to talk with her it's like you have known her for years," said Kelsey Sawyer.
Jeanne Schmidt's passion in life was to help others.
"She puts you in a place of belief that you have to do it, you have to make a difference," said John Hinks Jr.
And that's what she did, for more than 25 years; Schmidt has touched the lives of hundreds of volunteers, parents and more importantly the children at Camp Kemo.
"She always believed in paying it forward and paying it with humility and was always humble with what she did."
John Hinks Jr. worked with her for more than 12 years. He says the type of person she is could be best described by a game she played with her husband. Every Friday they would pay for the person's meal behind them. But she had one rule.
"You had to drive off. You were not allowed to have the gratification of seeing the look on their faces. She said that is true giving and I think thats how she lived her life. "
Kelsey Sawyer met Schmidt in a very direct way. Her brother was diagnosed with cancer and went to camp kemo.
"We both went as campers and unfortunately he only got to go one year with me," said Sawyer.
Despite losing her brother she wanted to continue to go to the camp and volunteer.
And every year she looked forward to seeing Schmidt's smiling face.
"She literally was Camp Kemo, she smiled every time she talked about Camp Kemo. It was impossible to see her without a smile on her face talking about Camp Kemo. "
Sawyer says despite the camp being about the children battling cancer. Schmidt made her feel loved as well.
"Throughout the year she checked on everyone it made you feel like you were a part of her family."
For all who knew her they say her spirit will live on in the lives of all of those who volunteer.
"As Jeanne would say it's all about the kids, so I think you will see us doing it for Jeanne but she would want us to do it for them," said Hinks.