August 6, 2025

Community Mourns the Loss of Audrey ‘Granny’ L. Estes

News Summary

The Clinton community is saddened by the passing of Audrey ‘Granny’ L. Estes at age 99. Esteemed for her service and musical passion, she had a lasting impact on many lives. Her legacy includes decades of dedication to family and community through various roles, including volunteering, and her faith was evident in her active church participation. Funeral services will be held on August 7, 2025, as the community reflects on the mark Granny Estes leaves behind.

Clinton – The Clinton community is mourning the loss of Audrey “Granny” L. Estes, who passed away at the age of 99. Known affectionately as “Granny” by residents, Estes dedicated her life to family, community service, and her passion for music. Her passing marks the end of an era for many who knew her throughout her long life.

Born in the hills of Cosby, Tennessee, Estes moved to Clinton at the young age of 14 where she began her lifelong commitment to hard work and family support. She spent her early years working in cotton mills, a job she took up to help support her siblings. Her contribution to the family would extend throughout her life, as she later met and married Oliver Estes while working in the same mills. The couple enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until his death.

Estes’ professional legacy includes various roles in the community, with notable positions at Whitten Center, Wilson’s Curb Market, and serving as a manager at Bantam Chef. After her retirement from Lydia Mill alongside her husband, she remained an active participant in local programs, demonstrating her enduring compassion and commitment to service.

Throughout the years, Estes volunteered at The Salvation Army and took part in the foster grandparent program at Eastside Elementary School, where she impacted the lives of many children. She also dedicated her efforts to The Open Door’s food line, showcasing her desire to provide for those in need.

A lifelong member of Lydia Pentecostal Church, Estes regularly attended services at Lydia Church of God and Prince of Peace Church, where her strong faith was evident. Her hobbies included playing guitar, singing gospel and bluegrass music, reading the Bible, and crocheting, all of which brought joy to her and those around her.

Granny Estes was predeceased by her husband, Oliver; a daughter, Joyce O’Shields; three siblings; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. She is survived by her daughter, Lucille Nelson (Jimmy), of Clinton; special granddaughter, Teresa Vaughn (Ken), of Spartanburg; son, Lawrence Estes (Jean); and a large family that includes eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, twelve great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a lifelong friend, Mary Howell.

Funeral services for Audrey “Granny” L. Estes are set to be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Pinelawn Memory Gardens at 2:00 PM. The services will be officiated by Rev. Robbie Hughes and Terry Knight. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to VIA Health Partners or The Open Door Ministry.

Online condolences can be expressed through Gray Funeral Home’s website, which is assisting the Estes family with the arrangements. The community continues to reflect on the legacy of love, kindness, and service that Audrey “Granny” L. Estes leaves behind, an indelible mark that will be cherished for generations.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.