Grace Vernelle Lybrand

Miss Grace Vernelle Lybrand, age 97 of Union, SC went peacefully to her heavenly home, March 30th, 2023.  She was born January 25th, 1926, in Union, SC and was the daughter of the late Sims and Mary Cudd Lybrand.  She grew up on West Main Street in Union and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and their beloved dog, Beauty Belle, in Spartanburg, SC.

Miss Grace graduated from Union High in 1943. She furthered her education, graduating with a B.A from Columbia College in 1947, with a focus in English and Music. She made many lifelong friends throughout her college career. During her years as a student, she was Class Vice President, Literary Editor of Gleam Staff, Vice President of the Beta Club, Glee Club, and President of McDowell Music Club.

Miss Grace had a 41year teaching career, where she inspired many students.  She is best known for her 38 years of service as a strict English Teacher at Union High School where she nurtured discipline and touched many lives.  She developed a lasting bond with many students she mentored as an educator.  Her passion for teaching extended to teaching piano in her home, mentoring and teaching adult education at night and she was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

She was an active lifetime member of Duncan Acres United Methodist Church, the former Green Street Church.  Miss Grace taught in the nursery from the age of 12 years old and later served on the administrative board.  She was a member of the Mary Lybrand Sunday School Class and the Shep Whitner Sunday School Class. Additionally, she was an active member of the United Methodist Women Club and Circle.

Miss Grace had a strong commitment to community and civic duty.  She was an active member of the Union County Music Club, Union County Clemson Club, The Bakers Dozen Club, Union County Family and Community Leaders Club, and more.  Miss Grace blessed others by volunteering for Hospice, Mobile Meals, and was an election poll worker.  She was patriotic and served as a dedicated member of the Union County Democratic Party and attended some presidential inaugurations in Washington D.C. Miss Grace loved flowers and working in her garden and enjoyed her time with two garden clubs and activities.

She was an avid traveler and enjoyed trips with her friends to Europe, NYC, Las Vegas, New England States, Florida.  Her favorite vacations were beach trips with her family.

In addition to her parents, Miss Grace is predeceased by her sisters Clemmie Rose Lybrand, Mary Lybrand Carter and her beloved cats.

Miss Grace is survived by her loving Family Michael and Harriett Phillips, of the home, Barry Phillips (Elizabeth) of Spartanburg, Tyler Phillips (Jeanette) of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Rosemary Williams (Mark) of Charleston, SC, Lilly, Eliza, Henry, and Jack Phillips

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00pm Saturday April 8th, 2023 at Duncan Acres United Methodist Church conducted by Rev Merritt Wentz. Visitation will be Saturday April 8th, 2023 1:30pm-3:00pm, prior to the funeral service, at the church. Burial will follow at Rosemont Cemetery in Union, SC.

The service will be live stream via Facebook.

Active pallbearers will be Tyler Phillips, Barry Phillips, Mark Williams, Franklin Pridemore, Rick Matthews, and Howard Whitehead.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Spartanburg Regional Hospice, Dr. Mark Ward, Treaky Knox, and Rev Merritt Wentz for their loving care of Miss Grace.

The SR Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc.              (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)