Clara Bouknight

Clara Edith Bouknight, 83, of Newberry, passed away on June 20, 2010 , at Palmetto Rich land Hospital .

Born in Newberry on February 8, 1927 , she graduated from Newberry College (1947) and Greenville General Hospital School of Nursing (1953). She began her career at Newberry County Memorial Hospital where she worked for many years. Later, she was employed as a Health Facilities Survey Supervisor for the Department of Health and Environmental Control, retiring in 1988. Clara was past president of the South Carolina Nurses’ Association, Lay Representative to the South Carolina United Methodist Annual Conference, a member of the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature, a life member of the Newberry College Women’s League, and a lifelong member of O’Neal Street United Methodist Church.

She is predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Julia Melton Bouknight, her brother, Harold Bouknight and sister, Marthanne Kinard. Survivors include her nieces Susan Agle (Larry) of Jacksonville, FL and Kathy Murphy of Newberry, her nephews Tony Kinard (Amy) of Greer, SC and Jack Bouknight (Jenny) of Newberry, great-nieces Jessica Washabau (Nick), Ginny Lee Bouknight and great-nephews Brad Bouknight (Dawn) and Kevin Gilliam.

“Tata,” as she was affectionately known, had a strong devotion to her family and was our “rock” during difficult tim es.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 , from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2010 , at 3:00 p.m. at the chapel at McSwain-Evans with burial at Newberry Memorial Gardens . Memorials may be made to Palmetto Hospice, P. O. Box 100199 , Columbia , SC 29202-3199 .

A memorial message may be written to the family by clicking the "Add Condolence" link below.