Missy Massalon
DOING GOOD BY THE COMMUNITY
story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY
In Beaufort, we have many things to boast about: the beautiful views, delicious food, and incredible beaches and islands. But truly, our biggest boast is the people. We are blessed to live in a community that features many kind, thoughtful, community-focused men and women. One of these women has been doing her very best to pour into this community since she moved here in 1994, and that woman is Missy Massalon.
Missy grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She attended the College of Charleston and studied elementary education, which she laughs about because she never used it, as it wasn’t for her. When she first moved here, she worked for Environments, Inc., an educational equipment company. She worked in customer service, where equipment and curriculum materials for child-centered, play-based learning environments were distributed nationwide. She has been married to Doug Massalon since 2015. They have a blended family: Abby, Ande, and Tommy Buskirk (who is engaged to Kelsey Woodruff, and has Doug and Missy’s grandbaby, Oakley), and Caroline, Justin, and Brandon Massalon.
Missy has been a broker with Coldwell Banker Access Realty for 21 years now. She loves her job because it is something new and different every day, and she is allowed the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories. “I like to use my years of expertise to make the process of buying and selling as easy as it can be for the client.”
She is currently the President of the Beaufort-Jasper Board of Realtors. She began serving on the Board in 2003 and served for many years until she took a break to care for her mother, who was sick from ovarian cancer. She eventually rejoined the Board and has served as Treasurer and Vice President before serving as President for 2022. Missy won the Realtor of the Year award in 2010, which was truly an honor.
Missy says, “I think it is very important for people to get out and serve their community, where they are able. It is a great way to meet people, form new connections, and help those in need all at the same time. Beaufort is such a unique town with truly the friendliest people, most of who don’t know a stranger!” Missy’s father moved down to the area a few years ago. Most recently, her sister and brother-in-law moved here in 2020, and Doug’s parents live in Beaufort as well. It makes it even better to have her family so close.
Missy Massalon was nominated as an exceptional woman by her friend, Tina Edmonds, who says: “Missy Massalon has been instrumental in multiple charities in Beaufort and has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She is a champion for women in the workplace. She is currently serving as the President of the Beaufort-Jasper Board of Realtors. She gives of herself, her time, money, and effort for many worthy causes in Beaufort County. I could write a book about her stellar character, willingness to help others, generous spirit — not to mention the fact that she’s gone through her own health issues and come out on the other side stronger — and more determined to fight for all those that need help. Missy is loving and kind, and you would not find a better representative to raise awareness for heart health and wellness, and being a cheerleader for her fellow women in the workplace than Missy Massalon.”
Missy serves and has served many charities in Beaufort, from Junior Service League Beaufort to currently serving on the Beaufort Charities committee and being a huge supporter of CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Association). In 2020, her husband, Doug, participated in the annual Dancing With Our Stars for CAPA. When her children were younger, Missy was very involved in the schools in our area, including the Mossy Oaks Elementary School PTO for many years and serving as the President for a couple of those years.
Missy has dealt with some major heart health issues over the years but has remained incredibly optimistic in her outlook on life: “Life is short, and you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring.” Missy works hard to make sure she treats people the way she would like to be treated. She treats people fairly and tries to do good for them.
We are thankful to Missy for all that she is providing to the community and all she does behind the scenes that may go unnoticed. Every little thing is making a difference and providing Beaufort with the chance to grow into an even more beautiful community.
