Aletha Skelley

Aletha Skelley Six Mile

Aletha Clair Brown Skelley, 69, passed away at home, July 15, 2007, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born December 11, 1937, in Dalhart, Texas, to the late Carlile and Alice Brown. She spent her early years on a farm in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. She graduated from Plainview High School, Griggs, Oklahoma; earned a Bachelor 's degree from the University of Kentucky and a Master's degree from Clemson University. Aletha taught at Lee Junior High in Lexington, Kentucky; South Carolina Manpower Program at Oakway; Tri-County Technical College; and D.W. Daniel High School for a total of 28 years.

Aletha married the love of her life, George C. Skelley, Jr., in the Marella Methodist Church, Griggs, Oklahoma, June 22, 1958. Aletha was a member of Clemson United Methodist Church for 45 years. She was active in United Methodist Women, served on the Wesley Foundation Board and worked with numerous committees.

She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Clemson University Woman's Club, enjoyed playing with several bridge groups and was an avid Clemson University football and basketball fan. She received the 2003 Clemson Basketball "Spirit of Clemson" award, enjoyed being one of "Larry Shyatt's Ladies" and never missed a tailgate. Aletha was an amazing woman who always put other's needs before her own. She loved her family and friends and was always there for them with a helping hand or delicious dish, especially her cinnamon rolls.

Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her devoted husband of 49 years, George; daughter, Mary Dickerson and husband, Keith, grandchildren: Tara and Chase Tripp, Newnan, Georgia; step-grandchildren: Michael and Paul Dickerson; daughter, Martha Sliney and husband, Scott, and grandson, Liam, Boise, Idaho; sisters: Nora Long, and husband, Lanny; Barbara Smith. She is further survived by nieces: Teresa Cochran, LaDenna Franks and Alison Hyatt and their families; sisters-in-law: Helen Baker, and husband, Gene; Amelia Irlbeck, Kay Prather and husband, Don, and their families; other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Kyle Gilley.

Following a private burial service at Cemetery Hill (Woodland), a celebration of Aletha's life will be held in the Clemson United Methodist Church, Thursday, July 19, at 5:30 P.M. Visitation will be held in Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central on Wednesday, July 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, there is a memorial fund established in Aletha's name at Clemson United Methodist Church. We would like to thank our church family, Hospice of the Foothills, Guardian Home Care, medical personnel, relatives and many friends for their assistance, support, prayers and love. Aletha will be greatly missed.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, which is assisting the family.