Obituary of Carole Whelpley Clary

Carole (Ann) Whelpley (Foley) Clary; COLUMBIA, SC. Mrs. Carole W. Clary, age 66, of Columbia, SC, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018, after fighting a courageous battle against Pancreatic cancer. Carole was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Margaret and Edmund “Big Ed” Whelpley. She was preceded in death by her son, Edmund Foley. She is survived by her husband, Charles Clary; daughters, Mary Foley Brown (Michael) and Lurah Foley (Jimmy Cleveland); grandchildren, Connor and Vivian Brown; brothers, Jack Whelpley, Bill Whelpley (Jane) and Joe Whelpley (Virginia). A Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at First Christian Church, 2062 Beltline Blvd. Columbia, SC 29204. Carole was not only a caregiver by profession, as a registered nurse for over 30 years, but by nature as well. She cared just as deeply about people she had known her entire life as she did about her friends that she had “accidentally” requested on Facebook. Her exemplary care showed not only in her relationships with people but in her flourishing houseplants and beloved pets. She was raised a devout Catholic and relished her days growing up through the strict Catholic school system. She often laughed with us about how her first grade class had 90 students and one Nun (with a ruler) teaching. Carole was not only a prudent student during her school days, when she was always with the top of her class, but a lifelong learner who would actually read every minute fact presented on placards in museums and exhibits. She was a loving wife to her husband who she playfully nicknamed “the Chuckster.” While she had many talents she excelled most at being a mother and grandmother. When asked by her Oncologist in the hospital what was important to her she laughed and said “sunshine and puppies.” We will know that Carole is sending us peace and warmth every time we see a butterfly peacefully floating by, a cardinal perched wisely, or a pair of silly squirrels playing tag. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Carole Clary, please visit our Tribute Store.