Guynelle Smith Clanton

Guynelle Smith Clanton, 84, passed on September 17, 2012 of complications of Parkinson's Disease at the Rohr Home in Bartow, Florida. Born in Whitmire, South Carolina on August 7, 1928, the daughter of Guy and Pauline (Huneycutt) Smith. She lived her childhood in South and North Carolina. After graduating from Greer High School (S.C.), she went on to graduate with a B.S. from Winthrop College for Women in Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1948. In Apirl, 1948, she secretly married Jack E. Clanton of High Shoals, North Carolina then again married him in a church wedding in August, 1948. The couple first lived in High Shoals where she began her teaching career. In 1957, the family moved to Bartow, Florida where she continued to teach for the Polk County School Board for 30 more years. After 59 years of marriage, she lost her beloved husband, Jack in September 2007. She is survived by her loving family of three sons: Dwight (JoAnne) of Dundee, Eric (Cindy) of Titusville, Keith (Jennifer) of Lakeland and one daughter: Gena (Gary) Hill of St. Petersburg; five grandchildren: Scott, Jason, Steven, Aaron, and Megan along with 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Dorothy "Dot" Lynch of Greer, S.C., her cousin Barbara Bowman of Simpsonville, S.C. and her Aunt Ruth Gilliam of Greenville, S.C. During her long illness, the family was blessed for her to have a loving companion- Mary. She also had the care from the wonderful staff at the Rohr Home and Good Shepherd Hospice. There is no funeral planned and at the request of their parents, the children will hold a private celebration to honor both parents. For those who wish to celebrate Guynelle's life, please consider making a contribution to Good Shepherd Hospice, 320 W. Main Street, Lakeland, Florida 33815 or the Rohr Home, 2120 Marshall Edwards Dr., Bartow, Florida 33830.