Nancy Klemann Sproul

Nancy Klemann Sproul of Beaufort, SC, died at home in her sleep Sunday, October 13, 2013.  The debilitating multiple system atrophy with which she suffered (a form of aggressive Parkinson’s disease) finally robbed her of her remaining spark.

Nancy was born in Augusta, GA, on November 16, 1947 to Gwen Klemann, who died at an early age and the late Dr. Gilbert Klemann of Augusta.  She attended Butler High School in Augusta and Univ. of Georgia where she received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts. After graduate school she taught high school art at Harlem Hi. She met her future husband while racing sailboats and after marrying, moved to Beaufort in 1975. She began teaching at Robert Smalls Middle School, but in 1980 resigned to nurture her growing family and to enjoy creating pottery for sale in the region.  By the time the couple’s three girls were in grade school, she returned to teaching at Lady’s Island Middle School as a half-time art teacher. She received several funding grants for work with students, including one for producing a student-generated tile mural of salt-marsh life which currently serves as a highlight at the school’s entrance.  The part time teaching position allowed her time to paint and to continue making pottery for her Salt Marsh Pottery business.

Having grown up sailing, she continued competitive sailing after moving to Beaufort, winning many regattas against mostly male competitors.  An active member of the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, she became the first woman to be elected BYSC’s commodore and the first woman commodore in the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association.

She maintained an optimistic outlook, despite her increasing handicap. Those who knew her prior to her illness as well as those who got to know her during the progressive stages of her illness, recognized the special qualities of sweetness, strength and spirited approach to life that made Nancy a very special person—one well loved by family and friends and admired by acquaintances.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon Sproul of Beaufort, her daughters Elise Annis of Augusta, GA, Karen Lovin of North Augusta, SC, Lacy Sproul who serves in the Army and lately in Afghanistan, and three grandchildren.  A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, Oct. 26th at Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club and another service at Augusta Sailing Club from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 3rd.

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