Claudia Ann Church

Claudia Ann Church, 73, of Columbia, SC, went to her heavenly home while preparing to worship with family and friends on Sunday, August 13th. An outgoing servant for others, Claudia took on many roles and titles but her favorites were those of Honey, Mom, and Grammie.

Claudia was a native of Piney Flats, TN, and her early years were shaped by growing up on the family farm, helping with the livestock and harvesting the produce grown there. Her favorite times there were the family gatherings when uncles, aunts, and cousins would descend on the farm to be in one another’s company and strengthen already strong family ties. Family was Claudia’s greatest love, she spent countless hours as the unofficial family genealogist doing research and compiling documents to share. She met the love of her life, Mickey, in high school and they remained together through 51 years of marriage. Claudia was a member of New Bethel Presbyterian Church for 40 years. She loved being part of the small community she lived in both literally and figuratively, working at the only bank in town which was located at the Piney Flats crossroads. Having friends and family pass through the bank daily, she took great pleasure in being an active part of their lives. Upon moving to Columbia, SC, in 1989, Claudia moved her love of helping others to the school system. She was a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant at Leaphart Elementary School for 19 years and was always so happy to run into her former students and learn about their successes. Claudia loved volunteering, and she was proud of her time with Sharing God’s Love Ministries.

Claudia is survived by her loving husband, Mickey, and her children Matt Church (Jennie) of Charleston, SC and her daughter Kara Grant (Nathan) of Chapin, SC. She is also survived by her grandchildren Campbell and Cate Church, and Beckett and Holden Grant. Other survivors include her brother Dwight King (Pam) of Piney Flats, TN and many special cousins, nieces and nephews. Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Agnes King of Piney Flats, TN.

The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Friday, August 18th at Dunbar Funeral Home located at 7600 Woodrow St. in Irmo, SC immediately followed by a service at the same location. A second visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 19th at New Bethel Presbyterian Church located at 592 New Bethel Rd. in Piney Flats, TN followed by a service and graveside committal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations to Sharing God’s Love Crisis Ministries (147 Friarsgate Blvd. Irmo, SC 29063) or the New Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, attention Carolyn King (1291 N. Pickens Bridge, Rd. Piney Flats, TN 37686).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedutchfork.com for the Church family.