Josephine Bell Calvert

Turbeville - Josephine Bell (Jonnie) Calvert, age 86, daughter of the late William Parker Bell and the Mabel Blalock Bell of Union, died Tuesday February 3, 2015, at her home in Turbeville. She was a graduate of Union High School (Class of 1946), Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing (Class of 1949) and Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant School (Class of 1975). She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Jo Calvert Myers (Jimmy) of Lynchburg and Kimberly Bell Calvert Troutman (Marty) of Manning; two grandchildren, Meredith Jo Myers of Lake City and R. Carlisle "Cyle" Coker IV (Alison) of Union; two great-grandchildren, Cade Coker and Hannah Cali Coker; a special friend, Dr. Kate E. Smith; her loving and faithful care giver, Shirley (Dee) McFadden; a sister-in-law, Dora Gregory Bell of Union; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Haze P. Bell (and his wife Clara) and Royce William Bell. She and her daughters moved to Turbeville in 1966. She worked for Dr. Kate E. Smith at East Clarendon Medical Center for 34 years. She was a member of the Pine Grove United Methodist Church , the United Methodist Women and the Chancel Choir. She was an original member of the Puddin Swamp Singers, a former member of the Turbeville Ruritan Club. She was also a member of the Spartanburg General Hospital Alumni Association and the Medical University of South Carolina Alumni Association and was a lifetime member of IPTAY. She was the first female to be elected to the public office in Turbeville where she served four terms on Town Council and two terms as Mayor. She served on the Board of Trustees for Clarendon Memorial Hospital. Because of her dedicated life of service to Clarendon County and the Town of Turbeville she received awards from the SC House of Representatives and the Senate of South Carolina. For those who ever met "Mrs. Jonnie" they immediately knew of her love for Clemson University, especially Clemson Football. She loved to travel and experience as much of God's creation as possible and was an active gardener who loved the out-of-doors. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2015, in the Sanctuary of the Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Turbeville with Rev. Wright Turbeville, Rev. Murray Gibbons and Rev. John Bolin officiating. Burial will follow in the new church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stephen Dukes, Cam Welsh, Jack Boykin, Charlie Smith, Dr. Dorn Smith, Dr. George Green, and Chet Green. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Pine Grove United Methodist Women, Employees of East Clarendon Medical Center, Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni, and Dwayne & Cindy Howell. Per Mrs. Jonnie's request, a visitation and celebration of her life will be from 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015, in the Pine Grove United Methodist Church Gym. The family request that memorials be made to the Pine Grove United Methodist Church "Kitchen Fund" P.O. Box 144, Turbeville, SC 29162. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine Bell Calvert please visit our Sympathy Store.