Clarice May Couch, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 13, 2018, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Born May 12, 1925 in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Clarice attended Virgil (N.Y.) High School. In 1941, she spent a notable year as a high school sophomore in Washington D.C. before being sent home to New York after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
During World War II, Clarice contributed to the war effort with her work at Ithaca Gun Factory and David Harum Bean Factory. After raising a family of 4 children in Endwell, New York, Clarice moved to Charlotte in 1979 with her husband, Milton, where she lived for 35 years.
As a lifelong homemaker, Clarice took joy in the simple rhythms and pleasures of life and loved gardening, good coffee, and her daily newspaper crossword.
Clarice especially loved the original Charlotte Hornets and listened to every game on her AM radio in the early years of the team, loudly cheering on her favorite player, Dell Curry, as she went about her household chores.
Clarice’s home was her refuge and she opened it to countless family members over the years, caring for and guiding them through many of life’s toughest challenges.
Clarice is survived by her husband of 72 years, Milton, 94, and leaves behind a large family who loved her dearly, including her 4 children: Pamela Couch; Thomas Couch; Cathy (Couch) Smith and husband Frank; and Jonathan Couch and wife Ceçile; 6 grandchildren: Sarah Mason and husband Sean; Franklin Smith Jr. and wife Elizabeth; Rebecca Cobb and husband Adam; Stephen Smith and wife Kate; Joshua Couch and Jason Couch; and 7 great-grandchildren: Claire Smith, Will Smith, Tyrus Cobb, Luke Mason, Keller Smith, Alex Mason and Violet Cobb.
Clarice is predeceased by her parents, Clair and Minnie Mespell. The oldest of three beloved sisters, Clarice is also survived by her sister, Emalu Lee, 91, and predeceased by her sister, Ann Hurst.
Clarice loved her family with a never giving up, unconditional love and was a friend and confidant to all who knew her. Hers was a life well lived — one embodied by courage, perseverance and faithfulness.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 18 at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memory Gardens in Charlotte, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send cards and notes of encouragement to Milton Couch, Room 120, Pruitt Health Skilled Nursing, 261 S. Herlong Drive, Rock Hill, S.C. 29732. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Carolina Gardens, Home Instead Senior Care, Pruitt Hospice and Pruitt Health who loved Clarice and took wonderful care of her as she transitioned from this life to the next.
