Tuesday, October 13, 2026 10:24 am

Lynn Baumeister Luce passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, on her 88th birthday. Born on October 5, 1938, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Arthur H. Baumeister, Sr. and Lois Gretchen Baumeister. Lynn lived a full and vibrant life marked by family, friendship, service, and creativity.

As a young girl, Lynn enjoyed ice skating on a homemade rink in her backyard, built by her father, and snow skiing with her brother, Art. She attended University High School on the campus of the University of Minnesota, where she later earned a degree in journalism. During her college years, she served as "Miss Print," representing the university's journalism activities. Lynn was also a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and always spoke fondly of her time at "The U."

Following graduation, Lynn moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked in several capacities at WTTG-TV. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill. They married and moved to Birmingham, Alabama, while Bill completed his medical residency. Lynn continued her career in public relations with Southern Bell Telephone Company, earning several awards from The Advertising Club of Birmingham for her writing for a local business magazine and newspaper.

Lynn and Bill later moved to Charleston, South Carolina, while Bill completed his fellowship before eventually settling in Columbia, South Carolina, where they made their home. Their Hampton Hill neighbors became an extended family, sharing tennis matches, bridge games, vegetable co-oping, pottery painting, Super Bowl parties, dinners, and afternoon drinks on the porch.

Lynn had a wonderful zest for life and a special ability to find joy in both the everyday and the extraordinary. She served as president of the Medical Auxiliary, was a docent at the Columbia Museum of Art, volunteered with Friends of the Library, and was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church, Camilla Ball, and Forest Lake Club.

Her love of gardening was another important part of her life. Lynn was a member of the South Carolina Garden Club, the Columbia Garden Club, and the Gay Gardeners, where she served as president. She also helped organize and establish a Children's Educational Garden, sharing her love of gardening with younger generations.

Lynn was always eager to learn something new. An avid reader and member of numerous book clubs, she also enjoyed auditing classes at the University of South Carolina simply for the pleasure of learning. Her grandmother gave her her first tennis racquet when she was 13, and Lynn continued playing tennis until she was 81. She also loved the game of bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs, where she treasured the friendships, camaraderie, and time spent with others who shared her enthusiasm for the game.

There was never a New York Times puzzle Lynn would pass up, and she could sew, stitch, knit, or quilt just about any project placed before her. Her many interests reflected her curious mind, creativity, and determination.

Above all, Lynn's greatest joy was her family. For 51 years, she was a devoted wife whose gentle spirit, kindness, and caring heart brought warmth and love to her marriage and family. Her grandchildren affectionately called her Lulu, and she especially enjoyed having them visit at DeBordieu or during the holidays. Those visits created treasured memories filled with games, jigsaw puzzles, baking cookies, watching Jeopardy, and, of course, always having ice cream readily available.

Lynn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Franklin Luce, Jr. (Bill); her brother, Arthur H. Baumeister (Art); and her grandson, Robert MacFarlane Luce.

She is survived by her son, William Arthur Luce (Laura Lynn) of Greenville, South Carolina, and their children, William and Avery; her daughter, Catherine Anne Luce Plaster, known as Cassie (Will), of Shelby, North Carolina, and their children, Carter, Miller, and Hunter; her sisters-in-law, Karol Baumeister, Ann Luce Fishburne, and May Luce Ramsey; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Lynn leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply and a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring smiles and laughter for years to come. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, competitive nature, wit, and love of life, qualities she lovingly passed on to her grandchildren.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Via Hospice, especially Lindsay and Penny, for their compassionate care and gentle support.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.