Jeanette O'Quinn Driggers

Jeanette O’Quinn Driggers, 89, of Bamberg, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026. She was born on June 22, 1936, in Bamberg, SC, the daughter of the late Joseph O'Quinn and Katie Summers O'Quinn.

Jeanette began her career at an early age, as many children of her generation did. She often shared stories— and you know she could truly tell a story—of picking cotton for one cent a pound and about the multiple jobs she had, including waitressing and working in the stores along Main Street.

After graduating from high school, she worked with the South Carolina Highway Department, scheduling construction projects until her pregnancy made it necessary for her to leave that position. She then worked at a local finance company before joining First National Bank, where she became head teller. She later joined Carlisle Military School as the Canteen Manager, serving there until the school closed.

In 1977, Jeanette broke barriers by joining the Denmark Police Department as its first female officer. She later continued her career with the Orangeburg Police Department, where she rose through the ranks from patrol officer to training officer and became the department’s first female sergeant. She went on to serve as Administrator of the Bamberg County Jail, a position she held until her retirement.

Jeanette was a devoted follower of Christ and was deeply active in the ministries of Hunters Chapel Baptist Church. Even as her health declined, she remained committed to her card ministry, faithfully sending encouragement to the sick and shut-ins.

Jeanette enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life. She loved woodworking and took great pride in her flower gardens, tending them until her health no longer allowed. She was also a passionate advocate for accountable government and was often seen—and heard—at City and County Council meetings.

Jeanette is survived by her sons Edward (Liz) Blume Jr. of Newnan, Georgia, James (Melinda Lyon) Blume of Antioch Tennessee, and Allen (Marianne) Blume of Ravenel, South Carolina. She is also survived by her brother, Jacob (Ann) O’Quinn of Chapin, South Carolina and eight grandchildren: Lance Blume, Hayley Blume, Christy Angsten, Robert Angsten, Mark Blume, David Blume, Tim Blume, and Kara Blume, and one great-grandson, Christopher Dragneff. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Jeanette was predeceased by her brother, James O’Quinn, her sister, Roma Simonelli, and her grandson, Hunter Blume.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 3, 2026, from 2-3 PM at Cooner-Smith Funeral Home, 287 McGee Street, Bamberg. The service will follow in the chapel at 3 PM. Burial will conclude at Bamberg County Memory Gardens, Heritage Hwy, Bamberg. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital or Gideons International. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at coonerfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cooner-Smith Funeral Home, 287 McGee St, Bamberg, SC 29003, (803)-245-2828.