Eloise Mcmeekin Clyburn

Eloise McMeekin Clyburn, 93, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in hospice care at Lexington Medical Center, surrounded by her beloved husband and family.

Born on July 15, 1932, in Columbia, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Franklin Robert McMeekin and Mary Crawford McMeekin. She was raised in Columbia, where she developed a lifelong love of family, faith, and service to others. Eloise graduated from Winthrop College and was honored as Clemson University’s first homecoming queen in 1954.

Eloise was the devoted wife of 72 years to David A. Clyburn Jr., a United Methodist minister. As a minister’s wife, she was a faithful and steady partner in ministry, offering quiet leadership, compassionate support, and a warm, welcoming presence in every church community they served. Her life reflected a deep and abiding faith expressed through service and care for others. A cherished part of her family's life and faith journey was time spent each summer at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, home of the United Methodist Assembly, where lifelong memories were made and deep roots of faith were nurtured.

She is survived by her beloved husband; her children, Debra Clyburn Lyles (Robert), Franklin McMeekin Clyburn, and David Arthur Clyburn, III (Julie Keiper); her grandchildren, Michelle “Shelley” Christine Lyles, Jacob Haden Clyburn (Jacqueline Hansen), and Henry McMeekin Clyburn; and her sister, Sara Anne Schiesser. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Doris Cromartie and Jean Crim.

Eloise had a special calling to nurture and care for children. She spent 27 years serving as the director of the childcare program at St. James United Methodist Church, where she touched countless lives with her kindness, patience, and love. After retiring, she continued her ministry by helping develop a childcare program at Central United Methodist Church. She also gave her time through volunteer work in an after-school program at Arcadia United Methodist Church, serving Hispanic children and families.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Methodist College in support of the David A. Clyburn, Sr. Memorial Scholarship fund established by Eloise and her husband (  www.smcsc.edu  - SMC, 1750 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301).

Eloise will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and the love she so freely shared with all. She was a beautiful Southern lady, known for her gracious presence and her unmistakable, gorgeous Southern drawl — something her family and all who knew her will cherish always.