Laurens County Coroner Vickie Cheek Announces Retirement After 24 Years of Dedicated Service to the County

After a distinguished career spanning 24 years, Laurens County Coroner Vickie Cheek has announced her decision to retire at the end of her term this year. Known for her unwavering commitment to public service, Coroner Cheek leaves an indelible mark on Laurens County, having served with professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

Coroner Cheek’s journey began in 2001 when she joined the coroner’s office as an Administrative Assistant under the mentorship of the late F.G. “Nick” Nichols. Over the years, she worked her way up the ranks, serving as Deputy Coroner from 2003 to 2006, Chief Deputy from 2006 to 2019, appointed Coroner by Governor Henry McMaster March 4, 2020 after the unexpected death of F.G. ‘Nick’ Nichols, and finally being elected as Laurens County Coroner in 2020.

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Coroner Cheek expressed, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire at the end of my term this year as your Laurens County Coroner. This decision doesn’t come easily as I still get such satisfaction out of public service. The time is right for me to retire while I’m still healthy and active.”

Under her leadership, the coroner’s office has weathered both good times and tough times, emerging stronger as a result. Coroner Cheek emphasized the collaborative effort that contributed to the success of the office, stating, “I say ‘we’ because I did not accomplish this alone; it took working with my staff, with county council, and all the other departments working together.”

Coroner Cheek has been a trailblazer in her field, becoming Laurens County’s first woman to be elected as Coroner. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving the Laurens County Citizen of the Year award in 2021 and earning nominations for Coroner of the Year in 2021 and 2023. Her dedication is further exemplified by the numerous trainings she has undertaken, covering areas such as child fatalities, homicides, suicides, advanced photography, crime scene investigations, cold cases, forensic entomology, forensic anthropology, medicolegal death, comprehensive opioid stimulant and substance abuse programs, and NamUs.

Despite her upcoming retirement, Coroner Cheek remains committed to completing ongoing projects and making necessary improvements during the remainder of her term. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Laurens County, stating, “It has been a humble honor to serve the Citizens of Laurens County.”