Clara Mackenzie

Dr. Clara Annie Beck Childs Mackenzie died peacefully in Spartanburg, SC in the 86th year of her life and 60th year of her marriage. Her death resulted from the effects of Parkinson's disease on Monday, October 16, 2017. Clara was born 28 May 1931 in Biltmore, NC to Sarah Mildred (nee Stevens) and William Wallace Anderson Childs. Clara grew up at various places in SC as jobs were scarce and transitory in the depression. She attended middle and junior high school in Charlestown, SC during WWII and moved to the upstate after victory, enrolling in Spartanburg High School class of 1947. She graduated as class poet, drama club president and chemistry club member. She was elected to Beta Club based on her scholarship record. At Converse College she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1951. She graduated early in order to serve as teacher at an Episcopal Mission boarding school for Native American orphans, located in Nenana, Alaska. That year she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for overseas graduate study in literature. She traveled to Westfield College in London and spent 1951-1952 there in postgraduate English Literature studies. While there, Clara was selected to be presented to the Queen. Upon return to the U.S., she continued graduate school at Duke University and earned a Master's Degree in English Literature in 1954. She went on to work in teaching and administration at Madison College in Harrisonburg, VA. Clara married Allen H. Mackenzie, MD in 1957 and moved to Ashland, KY to begin a family. They settled in Cleveland, OH in 1958 and began raising four children. Later she resumed graduate work at Case Western Reserve University and in 1971 earned a PhD in American Literature and Linguistics. She used her Alaskan contacts in writing her thesis; leading to one of two books she published later entitled "Wolfsmeller". Clara revised and published her aunt's notes on the history of Edisto Island, SC entitled "Edisto a Sea Island Principality", still in print and authored two other books. She resumed her teaching career and taught at Bratenahl High School for three years and then at Cleveland State University. She was an active member at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland and served as Senior Warden, Lector and chalice bearer. Clara was elected to serve one term as a town council member in Bratenahl, OH. Clara and Allen moved back to Spartanburg in 1992, have been members at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Calvary Episcopal in Glenn Springs and now St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Clara was an active member of the Thursday Study Club at the invitation of the late Natalie (nee Walker) Watters and enjoyed the intellectual meeting of minds very much. She was an avid gardener and earned her Master Gardener Certificate through Clemson. Surviving family members include her husband; sons: David A. Mackenzie (the late Karen Sherman) of Strongsville, OH and William W. E. Mackenzie; daughters, Sarah M. Donnan (Andrew) of Spartanburg, SC and Clara M. Pelfrey (Scott) of Shaker Heights, OH. Her grandchildren include A. Stuart, Ben, Alex, and Kate Donnan, Ian, Noah, and Celia Pelfrey, Julie Sherman-Meyer (Justin), Sarah Sherman; and great-grandchild, Addie Meyer. Also local family include: sister-in-law, Susan M. Hopps (Alec); nephews, Dr. Hearon McCravy (Stephanie), Allen Dean McCravy (Cindy), Scott Mackenzie McCravy (Joanne); and grand-nephews and nieces: Noah, Capers Grace, Eleanor, Mackenzie, Dean and Ian McCravy. Very special thanks to Cassie Clary, RN of Agape Hospice for outstanding care provided over the last two years. The family will have a drop-in visitation at Allen Mackenzie's home, 150 Foster Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376 from 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, October 20, 2017. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 101 Saint Matthews Lane, Spartanburg, SC 29301 on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve, PO Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Clara Childs Mackenzie please visit our Sympathy Store.