Sylvia Jean King Ballew

Sylvia King Ballew, 74, of 1563 Old Milton Road, Clinton, wife of Robert Ballew, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017, at Hospice of Laurens County.
Born in Clinton to Hall and Ruth Bouknight King, Sylvia graduated from Clinton High School and Winthrop College before earning her master’s degree in counseling from Clemson University and an education specialist degree from the University of South Carolina. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, and so enjoyed the fellowship of the Ronnie Cheek Sunday School Class.
A lover of music, books, and baseball, her greatest joy came from her love of her children – those she gave birth to, those in her family, and those she taught. The majority of her professional life was spent as a teacher and guidance counselor at Thornwell Home and School for Children. She finished her career as the Director of the Career and Personal Counseling Center, located on the Presbyterian College campus, and as a counselor with the TRIO program at Piedmont Technical College. Everything she did was connected to her love for students.
Surviving are her husband of fifty-two years, Robert Ballew, daughters Amanda (John) Avery and Hope Ballew, both of Clinton; a brother Mark (Diane) King, and a sister, Martha King Campbell of Clinton; grandchildren John Robert, Savannah Ruth, Michael and Rhett Avery; a great-grandson, Gabriel Avery, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as two brothers, Philip King and Matthew King, and a nephew, Cory King.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at First Baptist Church in Clinton, with the service in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Clinton at 4:00 on Wednesday, February 22.
The family will be at the home of Hope Ballew, 24 Wisteria Avenue, Clinton.
The family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Post Office Box 95, Clinton, South Carolina 29325, or to Thornwell, 302 South Broad Street, Clinton, South Carolina 29325.