Clara Gibson Turner

Clara Gibson Turner, 70, completed God’s plan for her life Monday evening after many years of declining health at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, and God has welcomed Clara into His eternal home. Clara was born in Smoaks, SC on May 28, 1940 and was the only child of the late James Norman Gibson and Rosa Cade George Gibson. Clara was a 1960 graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC with a degree in nursing. In 1969 she transferred from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources to Western Carolina Center before moving to Broughton Hospital where she retired in 1990 as chief nurse with over 30 years service in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Clara continued to work as a nurse consultant for MR/MH group homes until 2001 when she became disabled.Remaining to honor Clara’s life is her surrogate family, Margaret Browning with whom she made her home since 1983, and Heath and Kim Browning, and their children, Jessica and Justin.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Drexel Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. David Orders officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at home, 205 Sequoyah Circle, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, Clara had requested memorial contributions be made to one of the following: Drexel Memorial Baptist Church, Youth Group Missions, PO Box 638, Drexel, NC 29619, Gateway Rehab and Healthcare, 2030 Harper Ave., Lenoir, NC 28645, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28619. Sossoman Funeral Home & Crematory Center is assisting with arrangements.