Clara Howell Atkinson

Clara Lee Howell Atkinson, age 71, of Hartsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 8^th, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her family as she met the One for Whom she lived, Jesus Christ.  Born on September 27^th, 1951, in Hartsville, she was the daughter of Sidney Lide Howell and Claribel Lane Howell.  She graduated from St. John’s High School and Florence Darlington Technical College.  After several decades of service she retired from Sonoco Products Company where she was known for her loyalty and passion for her work. 

Clara was married to the love of her life and best friend, McIver, for over 51 years.  They provided a wonderful example of what a committed, Godly marriage should be. 

Her hobbies included a love of flowers and playing the piano, reading, and spending time with her family.  She also loved taking nature walks, listening to gospel music, watching Atlanta Braves baseball, and attending all her grandsons’ athletic and extracurricular events.  Clara was full of laughter, steady and consistent, and she devoted herself to serving and encouraging others.  She was a member of Victory Baptist Church for 40+ years where she faithfully served. 

Clara was predeceased by her mother and father, and sister, Joyce O’Neal.  She is survived by her husband, McIver Wilds Atkinson, daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Steven Shults, son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Heather Atkinson, and grandsons, Brennan and Brooks Atkinson, as well as her sister, Bonnie Bell, brother and sister-in-law, Sidney and Rose Howell, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. 

The visitation will be held Friday, August 11, from 5-7 pm at Norton Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be at Victory Baptist Church in Darlington at 2 pm on Saturday, August 12^th.  Burial will immediately follow at Philadelphia Southern Methodist Church in Darlington. 

Pallbearers will be Clara’s nephews:  Bill Bell, Joseph O’Neal, Lide Howell, Chris O’Neal, Stephen Howell, and Jeremy James. 

Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church, 633 West Smith Ave. Darlington, S.C. 29532

"A Life So Beautifully Lived, Should Be Beautifully Remembered". 

The service will be live-streamed on the Norton Funeral Home Facebook page. 

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Sreenivas Rao and his nurse, Amy Thomas, for their incredible care.