Sybil Gambrell Clem

Mrs. Sybil Gambrell Clem, 96, of Hartwell, passed away June 27th 2026, peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Born April 5, 1930 in Pelzer, SC, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Madison Gambrell and Elmer Inez Long Gambrell. She graduated from Pelzer High School in 1947. Sybil’s dream was to become a nurse and dedicated her life to serving others. She began her Nursing training at Greenville Memorial Hospital and graduated with honors in 1950. She began her nursing career at Williamston Hospital, and she also worked at Anderson Memorial Hospital. A few years later she married William Lloyd Clem and they moved to Hartwell, GA in 1962. Sybil became a member of the First United Methodist Church and also started, what would be, her career as Director of Nursing at Hart County Hospital.

She taught Sunday school, was a Senior Adult Leader, President of the May Lily Circle, Leader of the Sojourners, and volunteered her time as a staff member of the church. One of her greatest joys was traveling with the Sojourners. She enjoyed visiting the church members in the Nursing Homes and also the home-bound.

Survivors include her children: April Clem, Kimberly June Clem, Cheri Clem Ensley, John Charles Clem (Sandra) and Debbie Davis (Joe). Grandchildren: Bradley O’Barr, Summer Evans, Brandon Ensley (Heidi), Cade Ensley, Juli Brown (Kevin), Jena Clem-Boring (Todd), Katie Jacola (Ronnie), John Garlington and Walt Garlington. Great Grandchildren: Nevaeh Ensley, Yulianna Ensley, Andrew Brown, Lily Kate Brown, Walker Jack Brown, Collins Boring and Beckett Boring.

Sybil was preceded in death by her husband, William Lloyd Clem, Clyde Gambrell (Father), Inez Gambrell (Mother), James Madison Gambrell (brother), Dorothy Quinn (sister), Martha Ann King (sister), and, Grace Rebecca Poole (sister).

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. At other times, the family will be at their respective homes.

Mrs. Clem wished to be cremated and a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, July 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Troy Ayers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.