Nova June Clyburn Moore

Nova June Clyburn Moore (nee’ Myrtle), loving daughter of the late George Wilbur and Frances Schneider Myrtle, passed away on July 10, 2014, in her home at Morningside of Lancaster surrounded by her family. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Bonnie M. Gardner of California and husbands, William U. Clyburn and T. Edwin Moore. Born and reared in Little Cedar, Iowa, on June 15, 1922, Nova June carried a love for the Midwest, its land, crops, draft horses and its people. During World War II, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, to become the Army Air Corps base commander’s personal assistant. While there she met Lt. William U. Clyburn, a pilot and flight instructor. He was transferred to Shaw Army Air Base in Sumter, S.C., and there they were married. Upon discharge they returned to Kershaw to start their family and continue the Motor Co. and commercial cotton and crop farming. Their daughters Melinda and Billie were born. The family continued flying their own aircraft, entertained, volunteered and enjoyed spending summers at the Montreat, N.C., mountain house. There were fine Southern foods and large family dinners with staples from the farm, gardens and dairy. Nova June was a master cook, baker and candy maker. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and former Sunday school teacher, a member of King Alfred Garden Club, the PTA President and Teen Council. Cultivating and arranging flowers gave her pleasure throughout her life as well. Being a voracious reader, a crossword puzzle aficionado and history buff since childhood led Nova June to open the Flower Box Antiques shop in Lancaster after moving there in 1969. In 1971 she married T. Edwin Moore, another antiques and history enthusiast. Together they enjoyed buying trips, auctions, trade fairs and their shop. She enjoyed talking with and helping customers who shared her love of art, craft and history. She co-established the Waxhaw Antiques Mart and they moved their shop to Waxhaw, N.C. After Ed’s death, Nova June continued her business until retirement at age 85. Blessed with a keen mind and love for her family, she took pride in their accomplishments. She believed that a good education, combined with faith and resilience, provided a solid foundation for life. She inspired the love of learning, exploration of nature, support for one’s community and the importance of family bonds. Nova June is survived by her beloved daughters, Melinda Clyburn Richardson of Charlotte, N.C., and Billie Clyburn Crawford of Lancaster, S.C. Her grandchildren are Clay Richardson and his wife Kimberlie of Charlotte, Amy Crawford Caskey and her husband Alan of Kershaw, Katherine Crawford and her partner Nate Brick of Columbia; great grandchildren are Virginia, Charlotte and Elizabeth Richardson, Kristen Joyner, Hannah and Zoe Helms and Ian McClain; a great-great grandson, Brantley Caskey and step great grandchildren, Amber and Gauge Caskey. Also surviving is her niece, Sister Lucretia Gardner-Bouvier of Los Angeles, Calif. The family would like to thank the staff of Morningside of Lancaster who lovingly and with humor cared for Nova June the last three years. As her memory faded, her humor and wisdom remained. Lindy and Billie especially thank Sarah, Lori Ann, Tina, Mica, Cassandra and Terry for moments of love and grace. Thanks to Providence Care and Hospice nurse Sonya Cole, RN, for providing loving dignity. Graveside services will be held Sunday, July 14, 2014, at the Kershaw City Cemetery, 190 Edwards Ave., Kershaw, S.C. at 4:00 p.m. conducted by the Reverend Bryant D. Fersner. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, 201 North Cleveland Street, Kershaw for a time of sharing and remembering. If you wish, please honor Nova June’s memory with a donation to First Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, Post Office Box 611, Kershaw, S.C. 29067. The Baker Funeral Home, 210 East Hilton Street, Kershaw, S.C. 29067 has been entrusted with arrangements for Mrs. Moore. The Baker family has been friends of the family for more than 50 years.