Guynelle Smith Clanton, 84, passed away on Sept. 17, 2012, at the Rohr Home in Bartow, of complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Whitmire, S.C., on Aug. 7, 1928, she was the daughter of Guy and Pauline (Huneycutt) Smith. She lived her childhood in South and North Carolina.

After graduating from Greer High School (S.C.), she went on to graduate with a B.S. from Winthrop College for Women in Rock Hill, S.C., in 1948.

In April 1948, she secretly married Jack E. Clanton of High Shoals, N.C., then again married him in a church wedding in August 1948. The couple first lived in High Shoals where she began her teaching career. In 1957, the family moved to Bartow, where she continued to teach for the Polk County School Board for 30 more years.

After 59 years of marriage, she lost her beloved husband, Jack, in September 2007.

She is survived by her loving family of three sons, Dwight (JoAnne) of Dundee, Eric (Cindy) of Titusville, and Keith (Jennifer) of Lakeland; one daughter, Gena (Gary) Hill of St. Petersburg; five grandchildren, Scott, Jason, Steven, Aaron, and Megan; and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy “Dot” Lynch of Greer, S.C.; her cousin, Barbara Bowman of Simpsonville, S.C.; and her aunt, Ruth Gilliam of Greenville, S.C.

During her long illness, the family was blessed for her to have a loving companion, Mary. She also had the care from the wonderful staff at the Rohr Home and Good Shepherd Hospice.

No funeral planned and at the request of their parents, the children will hold a private celebration to honor both parents.

For those who wish to celebrate Guynelle’s life, please consider making a contribution to Good Shepherd Hospice, 320 W. Main St., Lakeland, FL 33815 or the Rohr Home, 2120 Marshall Edwards Drive, Bartow, FL 33830.

Arrangements: Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.