Clara Powers Gurley

1944 - 2017

Clara Powers Gurley, 73, gained her heavenly wings on August 5, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving family and devoted husband, who never left her side.

Clara was born April 10, 1944, and grew up in North Augusta, S.C., where she attended North Augusta High School and met the love of her life, Ronald Gurley. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and they settled down in North Augusta to raise their family. Daughter, Rebecca Corley (Charles), and sons Mike Gurley (LeeAnn), Mark Gurley (Angela) and Chris Gurley (Tiffany) are cherishing memories of a very special, devoted mother. They all reside in the Harlem, Ga., area.

Her legacy continues in the lives of her grandchildren: Megan Holley, Kaley Wallace (Cullen), Justin Gurley (Callie), Hannah Tankersley (Chris), Nick Newsome (Brandy), Carson Gurley, Abbie Gurley, Gage Gurley, Addison Gurley, Logan Gurley, and Gracyn Gurley and nine great-grandchildren. The grandsons will be her pallbearers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy F. Purvis.

What Clara lacked in height, she made up for in spunkiness. She was a perfect example of someone who "made lemonade out of lemons". Her positive and persevering attitude showed incredible strength and determination as she lived life to its fullest. Her greatest joy was her husband, Ron, of 54 years. They were inseparable, and their honeymoon never ended. They enjoyed scuba diving, dancing, crafting and shopping, and the beach was one of their favorite places to spend their time. They attended Bethel Baptist Church in Thomson, Ga.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 7, 2017, at Beggs Funeral Home in Thomson, Ga., from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

A celebration of life service will be Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Kiokee Baptist Church in Appling Ga., with her pastor, Tim Ferrell, officiating.

Clara loved hummingbirds and flowers, and her favorite color was yellow. The family would love to surround her with flowers as they celebrate her life. To match her colorful personality and zest for life, the family requests that those attending the visitation and service wear bright-colored clothing.

"I will exalt You, Lord, for You lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; You spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people; praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:1-5

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.