Lorene Vickers Clower

Lorene Vickers Clower passed away peacefully on November 11, 2018 at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg, Va. She was affectionately nicknamed “Rene” by her husband on their first date and that name was forever hers.  She was a long time member of the Millen Georgia United Methodist Church.  After moving to Lynchburg, Va, she became a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.  Rene was born in Douglas, Ga. on December 11, 1919 to the late Mitchell Vickers and Bertie Aribell Tomlinson Vickers.  Rene was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soul mate of 37 years, Thomas Alvin Clower III DVM. Rene was also preceded in death by her sister, Alma Frankie Vickers McDonald; and a brother, Mitchell Osborn Vickers.

Rene is survived by her son Robert Dean Clower MD and his wife, Rhonda Rhodes Clower of Athens, Ga.; other surviving members include two granddaughters, Devin Clower of Athens, Ga., Sarah Clower Hailey and her husband, Ridley of Roswell, Ga.; her great-grandchildren, Ellis Hailey and Hugh Hailey; her nephews, Mitchell Coppley Vickers and his wife, Betty of Sevierville, Tenn. and their children; William “Bill” Hamilton Vickers and his wife, Ponnee of Barbourville, Ky. and their children.

Rene spent most of her adult life in Millen, Ga.; a small town near Augusta, Ga. She graduated from Georgia Southern University and the University of GA and served the public school systems of Waynesboro and Millen as a teacher and administrator.  She and Al were hometown sweethearts and married in 1942.  His death in 1979 ended a very happy and fulfilling married life on earth and she patiently waited to be one day reunited with him again.

Rene’s life was fulfilled by a close family and special friends she loved deeply. Her talent for sewing was known by the vintage clothing that she wore to many events, as well as the beautiful dresses she made for her granddaughters. As an artist and entertainer, she brought many occasions to life for family and friends through her elaborate Christmas decorations and skilled craftsmanship.  Her years of volunteering in Lynchburg included the Fine Arts Center Costume Department, Daily Bread and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2019 with burial in Douglas, Ga. Further details will be provided at a later date.  Memorial donations can be made to The Academy Center of the Arts at https://academycenter.org/donate/.

 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.