In Memory

Myrle McClure

Myrle McClure

Myrle Hubbard McClure, age 89, passed away on July 18, 2004 in Houston, TX.  She was born at Barney Mines, Alabama on November 22,1914, daughter of the late Maynard G. and Mable Nutt Hubbard, wife of Joseph Newton McClure.  She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Oberlin Conservatory, both in Ohio.

She taught choral music in Middlesboro, Kentucky; in Sweetwater, Tennessee; and in Kings Mountain schools, retiring in 1977.  She also served as organist at Central United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain for 38 years.  In a retirement apartment in Williamsburg, VA she served two terms as president of the residents' council and accompanied monthly sing-alongs. At her last residence in Missouri City, Texas, she founded a bridge club in her community and continued her service through music by supporting the Friends of the Arts a her church and accompanying weekly sing-alongs at a senior daycare center.

Survivors:  Daughters; Nancy McClure, Virginia Beach, Va. and Joan McClure and husband James Ball, Missouri City, Texas.



 
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09/25/08 10:07 PM #1    

Jim Payseur

She was an amazing organist. Our church had an enormous pipe organ and I grew up hearing her play it - the sound was incredible.

09/26/08 11:22 AM #2    

George Poovey Pittman Jr

Mrs. McClure is the reason behind every compliment I've ever had about my voice. She was my musical mentor as well as a great life teacher. I think of her every time I sing a note. I thank her every day for teaching me how to sing correctly and with passion.

06/23/10 04:38 PM #3    

Linda Peterson (McDaniel)

I kept in touch with Mrs. McClure after high school. She wasn't just a great teacher, but also a great friend. When she moved to Texas we kept in touch by phone and letters. Those handwritten letters will forever be cherished. I'll never get rid of them. She was a very special lady and I miss her dearly.


01/04/11 09:39 PM #4    

Jeff Boggan

When my family moved to Kings Mountain from Winston-Salem in 1976, in the summer before our Junior year, I went with my Dad to choir practice at church. I didn't know anyone yet, and I was bored. Mrs. McClure was the organist/choir director. She told me that I had a nice voice, and encouraged me to join her choir at the high school. When I protested, she told me that I would meet lots of pretty girls in her choir, so I said OK. It was the first time I had been in any choir other than a children's or youth church choir, and absolutely the first time I had received any singing instruction.

Mrs. McClure and my parents conspired to get me to take some voice lessons in Charlotte, and to try out for a few special choirs. Without "Myrtle Clure's" (as she was affectionately known by many) influence, I would never have sung in high school choral festivals or All-State Choir or NC Honors Choir, or gone to Governor's School, or toured with choir and orchestra from Carnegie Hall throughout Europe. I would not have sung with the Men's Glee Club and Concert Choir at Wofford College, or sung in a barbershop quartet. I would never have experienced singing under the direction of some of the world's most accomplished choral directors. I would not be singing today.

Aside from God and my family, the ability to sing and the sheer joy I continue to receive while singing, is the most important and valued gift in my life. Had it not been for Myrle McClure, perhaps I would have missed that gift altogether.

I have never been ungrateful for her influence in my life, but certainly unwise as I did not keep in touch with Mrs. McClure. My parents kept her informed through the years about my activities, but I did not. I regret that now.

Perhaps the greatest gift we can ever give anyone like her is to pass it on - to encourage someone else to realize and fulfill their own potential and make the most of their God-given talents and abilities. In many ways, it is my life's pursuit. Thank you, Mrs. McClure!


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