Alta Kingman

Alta Kingman

Rock Hill - Dr. Alta Randall Kingman passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2017 after several months of failing health.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on December 10th at First United Methodist Church in Easley, SC.

Dr. Kingman was predeceased by her parents, Willard Russell Randall and Agnes Blanks Randall, as well as by her loving husband, James Elmore (Jim) Kingman. She is survived by one sister, Anne Randall Ridgeway of Rock Hill, SC. She is also survived by her children James Russell Kingman (Sharon) of Clemson, Joan Kingman Dixon (Marvin) of Clemson, Gina Kingman Isbell of Lake Wylie, Kitt Kingman Meredith (Doug) of Anderson, and grandson James Elmore Kingman II (Whitney) of Atlanta. She was the grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Born and raised in Rock Hill, Alta graduated with honors from Rock Hill High School as well as from Winthrop College. In her early teaching career, Dr. Kingman taught 6th grade at Pine Street Elementary School in Spartanburg, a school she held dear to her heart for her entire life. Dr. Kingman would go on to become a pioneer in her field as the first woman to receive both Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Horticulture and Plant Physiology from Clemson University, where she spent the remainder of her career as a faculty member of the Department of Horticulture. During her tenure at Clemson, she was a professor of Plant Materials, Landscape Design, and Hortitherapy. She was instrumental in developing one of the first post-graduate programs in Hortitherapy in the U.S. Dr. Kingman was considered a legend as the "Home Horticulture Specialist" for the state of South Carolina. As an Extension Service Specialist, she was known as the "Plant Professor," hosting her own radio and television programs broadcast in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. She used her knowledge and love of Hortitherapy to serve people in nursing homes, mental health facilities, prisons, and schools. One of her many legacies while at Clemson was her development of the Trail for the Blind at the Clemson Horticultural Gardens, now known as the South Carolina Botanical Garden. As part of that project, she and then Clemson colleague, Carey Burriss, designed the trail and garden and even arranged for a young, blind man to be transported, in order to collaborate in crafting the Braille signs for the trail. Additionally, Dr. Kingman facilitated in the evolution of the trail as it became known as a Sensory Garden, a place where sighted people could also appreciate plants for the way they feel, smell, and look. As part of that work, Dr. Kingman arranged for an historic cabin to be established and furnished as the centerpiece for the Garden for the Blind and Pioneer Complex. During that time, Dr. Kingman and Mr. Burriss also established academics for Horticulture at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg. While at Clemson, Dr. Kingman also produced significant Humate Research determin-ing beneficial characteristics of seaweed in plant growth. As part of that research, she published a vast number of articles and obtained many grants for the University. During her career, she was recognized in Who's Who in America and was granted Professor Emerita of Horticulture status upon her retirement.

Dr. Kingman led an enriched life as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She was a strong and passionate person who instilled the values of faith, family & education in her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Easley. She also served as President of the Foundation Board of Palmetto Health in Easley and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Dr. Kingman led numerous garden tours of Europe through Southern Living Travel and also enjoyed traveling with her family and church friends. Her quick wit and delightful personality endeared her to all who knew her. She enjoyed exploring shops and collecting antiques with friends and family. She always enjoyed spending time with her sisters and taking beach trips with close friends. She resided with her daughter, Gina Isbell at Lake Wylie for many years prior to her passing.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to, Interim Healthcare, Hospice, 154 Amendment Ave., Suite 105, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Bratton Funeral Home in York is serving the Kingman family.