Generations of Legacy

The Chambers Family and Their Love for Beaufort

photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY

 

There’s something timeless about Beaufort, a place that feels like it belongs to everyone while holding onto its deep generational roots. Its charm — a mix of waterfront beauty, a slower pace, and a sense of belonging—has drawn people for centuries. For Shae Chambers Helms, Beaufort is not just where she grew up; it’s the fabric of her family’s history. As a seventh generation Beaufortonian, her story is one of love for place, family, and community — a narrative built upon generations of leadership, creativity, and connection to the Lowcountry.

The Chambers name is synonymous with stewardship and vision in Beaufort. Shae’s late grandfather, Henry C. Chambers, served as mayor of Beaufort for 20 years. His leadership gifted Beaufort one of its most iconic treasures — the Waterfront Park. “In creating this space, he gave everyone in Beaufort a piece of waterfront property, which was what he wanted,” Shae shares. To this day, the park remains a gathering place where the community connects to the beauty of the river — something Henry always believed was Beaufort’s beating heart.

Shae’s father, Bill Chambers, carries on the family’s legacy of shaping Beaufort. As a respected local architect, Bill’s designs are etched into the landscape of the Lowcountry. Among his notable works is the restoration and renovation of the First Presbyterian Church, a historic structure within the National Historic Landmark District. Built in 1928-1929, the church holds deep personal significance as it was where Bill grew up attending services with his family. His renovations not only preserved the building’s architectural integrity but also ensured it continued to serve the community for future generations. Bill was also the architectural consultant for the renovations of the Waterfront Park from 2006 to 2008, ensuring his father’s vision remained intact while modernizing the space for contemporary use. Widely known for his expertise in historical renovations, Bill’s work across Beaufort’s antebellum homes and historic downtown reflects a profound appreciation for beauty, history, and the river that runs through the family’s veins. “Dad always wanted us to look back to the water,” Shae says, a sentiment that ties her grandfather’s leadership, her father’s profession, and her own passion for real estate into one seamless story.

Adding another layer to this legacy is Shae’s mother, Connie Pinckney Chambers. The Pinckney family has ties to South Carolina stretching back to the founding of the United States, including Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Shae’s grandfather, James Pinckney, further cemented the family’s impact on Beaufort by starting The Pines Motel in the late 1950s. As one of the town’s earliest motels, it was strategically located near the Marine Corps Air Station to accommodate visiting families. “It’s incredible to think about how my family has contributed to Beaufort in different ways — from its founding principles to providing hospitality to those serving our country,” Shae shares. “I feel so connected to this history, and I want my children to feel that too.”

Growing up surrounded by this legacy, Shae naturally developed a deep appreciation for her hometown and its history. Inspired by her family’s contributions to the community, she decided to channel this passion into her career. After earning a business degree in Finance at the University of South Carolina, Shae began her professional journey at the Foundation for Beaufort Memorial Hospital. This role allowed her to engage directly with the community, solidifying her desire to contribute meaningfully to Beaufort’s growth.

Life then took Shae to New Orleans, where she and her husband, Jason, also a Beaufort native, built a family together. Jason served in the United States Coast Guard for nine years, balancing the demands of service with a commitment to their growing family. Their shared love for their hometown remained strong, and as they began to envision their future, returning to Beaufort became a clear choice. “We knew we wanted to raise our children where we had grown up, surrounded by family and the river,” Shae shares.

In 2016, Shae and Jason made the move back to Beaufort, bringing their growing family home to the Lowcountry. While Jason transitioned to the Coast Guard Reserves and began working with Jeff Berry at J. Berry & Co. Restoration and Construction, Shae launched her career in real estate. Drawing on her family’s legacy of community and preservation, she quickly became a respected leader in the industry.
Today, Shae runs the Chambers Helms Group, Keller Williams Realty of the Lowcountry, a thriving real estate team she co-founded with her sister, Laura Chambers Babalis. Under Shae’s leadership, the team has helped families and investors discover the beauty of living in Beaufort, earning recognition as Lowcountry’s Best Real Estate Team for three consecutive years. “It’s rewarding to watch my clients fall in love with Beaufort the way my family has for generations,” she says.

Beyond her career, Shae finds fulfillment in the rhythms of family life — boating on the river, watching her three sons explore the same creeks and sandbars she did as a child, and savoring the simple moments that make life in Beaufort so unique. “We love the small-town community. You meet friends for coffee and run into half a dozen people you know. It’s slow, intentional, and connected.”

Shae draws inspiration not only from her family but also from the natural beauty of Beaufort itself. The moss-draped oaks, historic streets, and tidal creeks serve as daily reminders of the unique charm this community offers. Weekends are often spent introducing her children to the same activities she cherished growing up, from fishing and crabbing to paddling along the river. “Beaufort is more than just a place to live. It’s a lifestyle that connects you to the environment and the people around you,” Shae says.

In her work, Shae has made it her mission to ensure others experience this same connection. Whether helping a military family settle into their first home or guiding retirees to their dream Lowcountry property, she sees real estate as a way to share the magic of Beaufort. Her team prides itself on treating each client as part of the extended Beaufort family. “When you live here, you don’t just buy a house—you become part of a community,” Shae explains.

While real estate keeps her busy, Shae remains deeply involved in community life. She currently serves as the vice president of Beaufort-Jasper County Realtors and is wrapping up her tenure on the Agent Leadership Council (ALC) within Keller Williams this year. From supporting local schools to participating in fundraisers for historic preservation, Shae believes in giving back to the town that has shaped her family for generations.

To this legacy, Bill Chambers’ architectural contributions serve as enduring markers of Beaufort’s growth and preservation. From designing homes that harmonize with the Lowcountry’s natural beauty to envisioning public spaces that invite connection, Bill’s work reflects a deep respect for the environment, incorporating elements that embrace natural light, the river’s presence, and the timeless charm of the region.

Shae credits her father for inspiring her to see real estate as more than transactions. “He taught me the importance of creating spaces where people feel truly at home,” she shares. “Whether it’s a family buying their first house or a couple settling into their retirement dream, it’s about building a life in a place that feels like it’s always been yours.” This philosophy resonates in every aspect of her work, where clients become part of Beaufort’s story.

Family traditions anchor Shae’s life. Sundays often mean time on the boat with Jason and their boys, exploring creeks, fishing, or simply watching the sun set over the river. The Chambers Helms household carries forward a love of the water that began generations ago. Whether it’s teaching her sons to navigate the tides or sharing stories of her own childhood adventures, Shae feels a profound connection to the river as a source of both joy and continuity.

Community events also play a central role in Shae’s life. From attending the Beaufort Water Festival to supporting local charities, she embraces opportunities to give back to the town that has given her family so much. “There’s a sense of unity here that’s hard to describe. Beaufort is a place where people show up for each other, and I’m proud to be part of that,” she says.

As Shae looks to the future, she remains committed to the values that have guided her family for generations: stewardship, connection, and a deep love for Beaufort. Whether through her work in real estate, her family’s traditions, or her role in the community, Shae is building on the legacy of the Chambers/Pinckney name while creating a legacy all her own.

Because, after all, Beaufort is home. And for the Chambers family, it always will be.