Gay Clement-Atkinson

Gay Clement-Atkinson, PhD, passed away on February 12, 2023. She was the wife of David Atkinson and the daughter of the late Alma H. and Leonard N. Hill.

A beloved wife, mother, and friend, she opened her heart and unselfishly helped others. Gay trained as a medical technician. She was later introduced to a children’s clinic which lead her back to college to earn her PhD in Special Education. Her love of sports lead to coaching athletes who are blind, and working with the United States Association of Blind Athletes. She was employed by the University of South Carolina for the last 34 years of her professional career.

Gay is survived by a daughter, Jondi Cole McFadden (Tom); sons, J. Rhett Clement (Donna) and E. Roy Clement; daughters by marriage, Jennifer Beal (Bryan) and Laura Atkinson; grandchildren, Layne Clement and Audra Holt; and a grandchild by marriage, Kadyn Beal.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church-Trinity Campus, 2703 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29605. The service will be conducted by Rev. Grover Putnam and Rev. Karen Jones.

Her family wishes to thank Crescent Hospice doctors, nurses, and caretakers who cared and loved her, as well as Best Home Care Services of Greenville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Samaritan House Food Pantry: 2723 Augusta Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.

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