Violet Clough

Born in Kentucky, to Adrian and Violet Esther (Happe) Bock, Vi Ann also lived in Dayton, Ohio, and Royal Oak, Michigan, before coming to Bob Jones University as a student. After initially leaving college to work, she returned to BJU in 1968 to work at WMUU, where she met Ralph Clough, a widower with three children. They married on August 23, 1968, and shared a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Vi Ann spent many years working in various offices at BJU, especially enjoying her time in the Print Shop, where she helped typeset many things including early BJU Press textbooks. She also worked in Public Safety and became an American Red Cross first aid and CPR instructor, especially enjoying teaching infant CPR.

Vi Ann loved people and made hospitality a way of life. She and Ralph opened their home to countless BJU students, friends, and others, sharing meals, fellowship, games, transportation, and practical help. Friday night game nights were a favorite tradition. She loved creating a welcoming home, setting a beautiful table, and making others feel cared for. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, crafts, game shows, and, of course, all things purple.

Determined to complete what she had begun years before, Vi Ann continued taking classes while working at BJU and earned her bachelor's degree in Humanities in 1991. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with fellow BJU retirees, a special highlight being seeing the pyramids in Egypt.

Above all, Vi Ann loved Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she deeply loved the Gospel. Her favorite verse was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Vi Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Violet Esther (Happe) Bock; her husband, Ralph Clough; her stepdaughter, Sonia (Clough) Einfeldt; her granddaughter, Tina Clough; and her sister and brother-in-law, Ken and Betty Lou (Bock) Ouellette.

She is survived by her children, Joel Clough, Jennelle (Luke) Poore, John Paul (Allison) Clough; stepchildren, Sherman (Rosie) Clough, Janice Clough, Sonia’s husband, René Einfeldt; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, former students, and coworkers.

Vi Ann leaves a legacy of faithfulness, hospitality, kindness, laughter, and love for people. She will be greatly missed, but those who knew and loved her rejoice that she is now with the Savior she loved so dearly.

Services for Vi will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive Greenville, SC 29609. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, with a service to follow. Committal will take place in the park.