Dion,

You can print out a form to order the death certificate at the following link. It is cheaper to order it through the mail versus online. The online prices are much higher. I have ordered via mail before and it has usually taken only about two weeks. The mailing address is:

Division of Vital Records
S.C. DHEC
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
telephone # (803) 898-3630
fax #: (803) 898-3761

The link to the form is: http://www.scdhec.gov/vr/death.htm

I also looked for AME churches on Kennedy Street and this was the closest I could find to 53 Kennedy Street. Since the family seems to have a bit of history at the church, maybe they would be able to give you some information and who knows there may be family currently attending the church (that is, if this is the correct church).

Nichols Chapel AME Church
57 Kennedy Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Rev. Terrance G. Mackey, Pastor
Phone: 843-557-7366

**Regina**