Verna McGrath Ballinger

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother, and friend Verna McGrath Ballinger, of Greenville, SC on August 10, 2024. 

 She was born on July 26, 1955 at Anderson Hospital. Her parents were Daniel E. McGrath and Ruth M. McGrath, of McCormick, SC. She lived in McCormick until 1973, when she entered Nursing at Clemson University, graduating in 1977.

 She married William H. Ballinger, Jr. on May 22, 1977. Their first home was in Charleston, SC, and she worked as a pediatric nurse at Roper Hospital, where their first child, William H. Ballinger, III, was born on March 31, 1979. She remained home thereafter. They moved to Greenville, SC in 1979, then Nashville, TN in 1980, where Elizabeth Anne Ballinger was born at Vanderbilt University Hospital on March 28, 1982. They then moved to Hampton, VA in 1983, back to Nashville, TN in 1987, and finally settled in Greenville and First Baptist Church in 1988.

 Her first set of friends were from our Sunday School class and Doctors' Wives Auxiliary. These special ladies dressed as clowns for the Children's Hospital and our favorite memories were the smiling faces of these sick children, and once seeing her exchange make-up tips with Ronald McDonald. Then came another group of special friends at Childress Jewelers. This group of angels astound us to this day and we admiringly call them our 'Steel Magnolias' of Greenville.

 God gave Verna so many gifts, but the greatest was her love for Him, her family, and her friends. To love and be loved by her was the greatest gift He has given me.

 Verna is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Dr. William H. Ballinger, Jr.; son, Dr. William H. Ballinger, III (Erin) of Greenville; daughter, Anne McKibbon (William) of Greenville; grandchildren, Liam, Jack, and William.

 The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Greenville, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601.

A private graveside service will be held at Old Stone Church Cemetery in Clemson, SC.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church Greenville, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.