Sally-Bruce McClatchey

1922 - 2015

McCLATCHEY, Sally-Bruce Sally-Bruce Blackford McClatchey, 92, of Atlanta, died on January 14, 2015 after a prolonged illness. She was born in Seattle, Washington on June 28,1922, to John Minor Blackford and Elizabeth Mann Blackford. Her love of the outdoors and ever abiding faith grew from these early days with summers spent paddling on the shores of Lake Washington, enjoying family boat trips up into British Columbia, and exploring her mother's extensive gardens. Following elementary school in Seattle, Sally-Bruce went to the Strathcona Lodge School on Vancouver Island, Canada. Graduating at age 16, she would later recall her boarding school days with great pleasure. She then attended the University of Washington in Seattle and in 1942 at the age of 19 received a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Botany. She was very proud of being one of the few female chemistry students and even more proud of her almost perfect academic record. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, the Society of Sigma Xi (to promote research in science), Delta Phi Alpha (German honorary society), Phi Sigma (Biological Society) and was elected Phi Beta Kappa, which had been founded by her great, great, grandfather, Reverend Armistead Smith, at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Sally-Bruce was also a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames. Although firmly rooted in Seattle, her family's pride in their Virginia heritage contributed to her meeting her future husband in 1942. Marvin Reynolds McClatchey Jr. of Atlanta, then stationed in Seattle in the Navy, was invited to Sunday dinner because of his Southern roots. Sally-Bruce married the handsome young naval officer 3 months later. Sally-Bruce was a meticulous librarian, knowledgeable genealogist, experienced botanist, water lover, voracious reader and adventurous cook. She earned a Masters in the Arts of Teaching (1973) and Masters in Library Science (1974) from Emory University. She organized the libraries for The Georgia Conservancy and the Cherokee Garden Library. She served as librarian for Mount Paran Church of God, North Avenue Presbyterian Church, The Cherokee Garden Club, and St. Anne's Episcopal Church. She was president of the Church and Synagogue Library Association of the United States 1985 - 1987, and in 1993 received their award for Outstanding Contribution to Congregational Libraries. A woman of deep faith, Sally-Bruce was a long time member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church. She also joined the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, a community of Episcopal women called to a life of intercessory prayer and social justice. She maintained a discipline of daily prayer and study. She also devoted herself to weekly visits with elderly family and friends. In 1983 she completed the Education for Ministry (EFM) program sponsored by The School of Theology at The University of the South. Through all of these accomplishments, family was always at Sally-Bruce's center. She created a loving household to raise 8 children. They never got up before she did, never needed her when she did not respond, and each tried mightily to live up to her example. She instilled a love of learning and a respect for the natural world, and she proudly encouraged each of them through college and graduate school. Modeling a strong work ethic, Sally-Bruce's influence lives on in all her children. How appropriate that this beloved Mother was able to die in her home of 68 years, surrounded by her family. Sally-Bruce is survived by 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren (so far). She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Marvin Reynolds McClatchey Jr.; parents Dr. and Mrs. John Minor Blackford; brother William Mann Blackford and; sister Virginia Blackford Morris. She is survived by all eight of her children and their spouses: M. Reynolds McClatchey III (Martha); John B. McClatchey (Rene); William M. McClatchey (Carolyn); James N. McClatchey (Julie); Sally McClatchey Larsen (Jack); Penn M. McClatchey (Anne); Juliet McClatchey Allan (John) and daughter-in-law Carol McClatchey, all of Atlanta; and Elizabeth McClatchey Brown (Kemper) of Asheville, North Carolina; and 9 nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Personal Care and Hospice Atlanta. Services will be at 1 o'clock on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 3098 St. Anne's Way, Atlanta, GA 30327; reception at the church to follow. The family will receive friends at the family home on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 7 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Anne's Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.