ANDERSON - Loretta "Etta" Mae McClellan Yon, 87, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2010 at Anderson Place Health Care Center where she had been a resident for the past 3 years. She was previously a resident of The Garden House Assisted Living Center. Formerly of the Liberty Hwy in Anderson, Etta was pre-deceased by her husband, William Paul Yon, Jr. in 1999; son, William Paul Yon, III in 1952 as well as 2 brothers, Van and Herbert McClellan. She has 2 surviving daughters, Bonnie N. Yon of Mount Pleasant, SC and Glenda Yon White (Phil) of Anderson; 4 granddaughters, Cameran Eubanks of Annapolis, Maryland, Cayce Eubanks and Ivey White of Charleston, SC and Olivia White of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and brother, William D. McClellan of Williamston, SC
Etta was born April 17, 1923 to Nellie Prince and Van Patrick McClellan of Anderson. She graduated from Anderson Girls High - Class of 1942 and Anderson College - Class of 1944. She spent summers at Appalachian State Teachers College and began her teaching career with 1st and 2nd grades at Bowen School in Anderson as well as Green Pond School. Later she became a pre-school teacher at Anderson First Baptist Church during the 1950's through 1970's. She went on to become a teachers aide for School District 5 kindergartens at both Estes Elementary and New Prospect Elementary where she retired with over 30 years of teaching.
After retirement, Etta enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with her 4 granddaughters. Besides her love of little children, she had a true passion for growing things. She was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed her English garden which she designed, planted and maintained for years. She was known to bring plants from her greenhouse to sell at the Anderson County Farmers Market and houseplants were her specialty. She was also an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed pursuing various arts and crafts.
Etta was perhaps best known for her quick smile and eternal optimism...always keeping a song in her heart and enthusiasm for life until the very end. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date at the home of Glenda and Phil White, 1835 Harris Bridge Road in Anderson. Arrangements for cremation by Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that donations may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY, NORTHEAST CHAPEL www.sullivanking.com