Mrs. Claudette M. Etheredge

July 27, 1942 - May 22, 2016

Life Reflections A precious one from us is gone, a voice we love is stilled A place is vacant in our lives that can never be filled. “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Claudette M. Etheredge departed this earthly life on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at her home. Born in Columbia, SC, on July 27, 1943, she was the second eldest child born to Talmadge and Lottie Belle McNeil. She was raised in a loving home. At an early age, Claudette accepted Christ and joined the St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Roscoe C. Wilson, in her later years she became a member of Brookland Baptist Church; she had a strong faith and a personal relationship with the Lord. Claudette was educated in the Richland County public schools and was a graduate of C. A. Johnson High School. She attended Midland Technical College in the area of business. Employed as a patroller in the drawtwist department at Honeywell (formerly Allied Chemical), she retired after 32½ years of service. Claudette later advanced her career by working as a childcare provider at both Gateway Academy and Brookland Academy. She was passionate about caring for the children and working at both centers. In her spare time, Claudette was an avid shopper. She loved shopping for clothes, shoes, hats, and handbags. Claudette loved her children and family greatly and would always hold conversation with anyone about them. Claudette was preceded in death by her parents, Talmadge and Lottie Bell McNeil; her three brothers, David Johnson, Talmadge McNeil, Jr., and Henry Carver McNeil. Claudette leaves to cherish her precious memories, her children: Bridget McNeil, Kerry J. Etheredge, and Stanley T. Etheredge, Jr., all of Columbia, and Fay I. McNeil of Philadelphia; two sisters, Addie (Carlton) Eikner and Lynda (Bernard) Colder; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.