Dr. Wilma King McClarty, 69, of Collegedale, died on Sunday, May 24, 2009.
She was born in Hinsdale, Il., and was a member of the Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
An accomplished, well-loved, and enthusiastic English and Literature professor, she received her bachelor’s degree in 1961 and master’s degree in 1962 from Andrews University. She then earned a doctorate in education from the University of Montana in 1968.
After teaching at Southwestern Adventist University from 1968-1972, she and her late husband, Dr. Jack McClarty, moved to Collegedale to begin teaching at Southern Adventist University.
Winning several student-sponsored and academic awards, publishing numerable articles, and performing countless speeches, she has been a pillar of the university, her church, and the community, touching the lives of thousands.
She was a devoted wife, sister, and mother, and there is a void where her boundless energy and passion for life once prevailed. We all will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Dr. Jack McClarty, and parents, Alfred and Viola Doering.
Survivors include her daughter, Julie Smith; son, Dr. S. Jack McClarty; sisters, Ardith Tait, Geraldine DiDonato, and Corrinne Hurt; brother, Al Doering; granddaughter, Jacqueline Smith; and grandsons, Shawn VanRaden, Tyler VanRaden, Ryan Smith, and Boston McClarty.
Funeral services are scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, at Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Dr. Gordon Bietz officiating with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. A graveside eulogy will immediately follow at Collegedale Memorial Park.
Flowers may be sent to the church, Heritage Funeral Home, or in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the McClarty scholarship fund at Southern Adventist University.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share condolences.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.