Honorable Chief Magistrate Selma Parris Cheely, 73, of 25 Stovall Cir, Hartwell, died Thursday, November 19 at AnMed Health Medical Center, Anderson.

Born in Dekalb Co. GA, she was the daughter of the late Leroy Crawford and Birdie Black Crawford.Ms. Cheely was a graduate of the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, where she was senior class president of her class.Chief Magistrate Cheely was serving in her 14 year in office.She achieved several professional rewards, including a life time achievement award. She was highly respected among her peers in Law Enforcement and Judicial Services. She founded and served the Northeast Georgia Coalition on Domestic Violence in Hart County. She worked close with the school system, educating youth about the judicial system. She had passion for working for the people, serving citizens. Went full time, all the time.

She is survived by her four sons, Ronald McClung of Lawrenceville GA, Mike Parris of Jackson GA, Doug Parris of Canton and Steve Parris of Marietta GA; two brothers, Roy Crawford and Ned Crawford both of Anderson SC; six grandchildren, Amie McClung, McKenzie Parris, Dusty Parris, Dan Parris, Stephen Parris and Leslie Parris also survive.

The family will receive friends at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night, November 24, and a Gathering of Remembrance for Ms. Cheely will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence, PO Box 814, Hartwell, GA30643