Kay Doran Clamp

This is my last letter to you.

One that you will not read. But others will and I want them to know about you and your life.

I love you so much my dearest.

You were a daughter, a sister, a Mother, a talented woman in your work and wife.

Born in Charleston, SC. Your parents Robert "Bobby" J. Doran Sr. and Virginia Owens Doran were so proud of you.

You were the "Apple of their Eye". You and your brother Bob lived and played in Charleston on Meeting Street until your family moved West of the Ashley River on North Godfrey Park. You and your brother Bob enjoyed growing up together in Charleston. Quoting Bob…"My sister was my anchor and was always there when I needed her. She would call me for advice and I would do the same. She was always on the button. I loved her more than the breath in my body." Quoting Gov. Henry McMaster, a family friend…"Kay was smart, funny, beautiful, kind and loved by many". Yes, Kay was loved by many.

You left home to go to Columbia College and then transferred to the University of South Carolina.

After graduation, you got married, taught school, had two children and went through a divorce. Your boys then, Rion and Ian, were your world. Your love for them both was immeasurable.

You sold clothes briefly at the "Joyful Alternative" in Five Points for Dale Bales. But soon, you went to work at SCETV in Columbia. There you blossomed into the host and producer of many programs including the award winning program "Open Line" where you interviewed governors, senators and even author James Dickey. You enjoyed working with Tom Fowler, Rudy Mancke and Beryl Dakers at SCETV for ten years.

After SCETV you were involved in a political campaign for governor, Carrol Campbell and Mike Daniels. You did a great job for Mike but he lost.

After the election you went to work with Ginny Wolfe at the State Development Board. Bill Ross, the Executive Director for API in SC, needed an assistant director and of which you became, lobbying with Bill many years at the State House.

The "Petroleum Marketers" then hired you to be their Executive Director and lobbyist and you enjoyed working there six years.

When Bill Ross retired, API came calling again and you went back to work as API's Executive Director in SC until you retired in 2015.

What a work life you had my love.

I left the wife part of your life last for a reason.

I am so grateful that you fell in love with me. I could not have asked for a better partner in life these last forty-six years.

A woman with such devotion to life, family and beauty.

A woman who helped start the "workout" theme Body Firm for women in 1978 with the creator Anna Benson.

A woman who helped break the glass ceiling for female lobbyist at the State House in South Carolina.

A woman on the Board of Directors of the Humanities Foundation, a family foundation of the James Doran Company.

A woman who loved me, David H. Clamp unconditionally.

Even though, the last few years have been difficult because of Alzheimer's. We still loved each other, holding hands on walks even in your last few weeks. We did not let that disease define our life. We lived and loved until we could not.

Holding you in my arms before your death, I could only be grateful for the years spent with you.

Even through my tears, I could only see your beauty.

We loved each other and that will never stop.

I know that you would want to say something to your grandchildren.

Dubose, Cameron, Michael and Ella, Nana loved you so much. Please remember her and be happy in your life.

Thank you my love Kay, my dearest. My life was yours.

Her family includes her brother - Robert J. Doran Jr., wife Tracy; children - Shane, Clayton, Annie, Rosie, Patrick, son - Rion D. Foley, wife Liz, children - Dubose, Cameron, Michael, son - Ian C. Foley, wife Shannon Child – Ella.

A Celebration of Kay's Life will be announced in the near future.

Donations to help find a cure can be made in Kay's name at the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina.