Sally Hamlin Garrett McClure

Sally Hamlin Garrett McClure, the only child of Eleanor Hammer Garrett and Robert Lazarus “R.L.” Garrett was born at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 15, 1931, and entered eternal rest on February 27, 2023.

A lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, Sally had fond memories of growing up along with the hometown she loved dearly. When she was three, the family moved out to “the country.” Enticed by the offerings of what would be their backyard and the fun they could have, her parents built a home on Corpus Christi Bay, in what was then a rural area, primarily farmland with very few neighbors. At that point there was only a route number for the address, and the road was made of seashells. They had a pier in the backyard, Sally and her parents enjoyed the excellent fishing and crabbing, which led to many good meals. Later, with the construction of the Naval Air Station, the area was incorporated by the city, utilities were provided, and the unnamed road was paved and named Ocean Drive.

When Sally was eight, she began her first of seven wonderful summers at Camp Waldemar, near Kerrville, Texas. Being an only child, she loved the experience of having so many “sisters” that she had yearned for, many of whom were lifelong friends. It was also at camp that her love of the outdoors was formed. She continued to enjoy being outside and active, either in her garden or playing tennis throughout most of her life. Sally attended Corpus Christi High School for one year and then enrolled as a boarding student at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating in 1949 she attended Mount Vernon Junior College in Washington, D.C. for one year and then returned home to go to the University of Texas. While she was at the university, she became a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

On March 3, 1951, Sally married Donald Parker “Doggy” McClure shortly before he was deployed to Japan and then Korea with the 45th Infantry Division. One year later, she found herself back in Washington, D.C. after Doggy was severely wounded on the battlefield. He was sent to Walter Reed Hospital to recuperate under the care of the same physician who first saved his life in the MASH hospital in Korea. As soon as he recovered, he was discharged from the Army and the newlyweds returned home to Corpus Christi. In 1955, their first child, Catherine Carlsen McClure (Cathy) was born and in 1957, they had a son, Robert Garrett McClure (Gary).  Since then, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren have arrived. Sally adored them all and treasured her time with them.

Sally was a “cradle” Episcopalian. Both her parents and maternal grandparents were longtime members of The Church of the Good Shepherd, as were she and Doggy. Her involvement in the church began as a child singing in the children’s choir. Throughout adulthood she enjoyed working at the Good Shepherd’s Corner, making and selling decorative Easter eggs with the “Egg Ladies” and serving as a church representative on the Board of Trustees of Saint James Episcopal School. Sally was also a longtime member and past president of the Jennette Hammer Guild, which was formed and named in memory of her grandmother.

Sally joined the Junior League of Corpus Christi in 1952 and remained a sustaining member until her death. Through that organization she found a love of volunteering and being involved in her community. During the Vietnam War, she became a Red Cross Gray Lady. The Gray Ladies first worked at the Naval Air Station hospital and when the war ended, they moved their service to Spohn Hospital where they volunteered in the surgical waiting room. There, she became the head of the Gray Lady program, which was her favorite volunteer position. Sally was a past president of two Cotillion clubs (Girls and Senior), Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae, the Antiques and Flowers Garden Club, Las Donas de la Corte and The Order of de Pineda. In 1980, she was asked to join the board of the Corpus Christi National Bank as an Advisory Director. She remained in that position until CCNB was sold to Bank of America. As a couple, she and Doggy belonged to and very much enjoyed both the Second Sunday Night Supper Club and the Valentine Dinner Group. They also loved their years celebrating Beachcomber, Centuria Club, and The King’s Men events. Sally absolutely treasured her friends and always looked forward to lunch and playing cards with them.

Sally and Doggy loved to travel and they took many trips overseas with both family and friends. However, their favorite place to go was the family ranch, just outside of Leakey, Texas. The Frio River borders the ranch and was always a welcome relief on a hot summer day. Sally had lots of fun burning dead cedar trees and said it was not only good for the ranch, but a good time to enjoy seeing various animals and to make mental plans for future events. They frequently entertained there during the summer and hunting season and loved sharing their special place with dear friends.

Sally wishes to give Mario Hernandez a special thank you for the love, loyalty, and service he gave to three generations of family for too many years to count. 

Sally is preceded in death by her husband Doggy, her parents, and her adored first cousin Jackson Giles. She is survived by her daughter Catherine Carlsen McClure Sellers Nacci (Bruce) and son Robert Garrett McClure (Kelley). She is also survived by four grandchildren, Sally Sellers Hill (Roger), Robert Webb Sellers, Jr. (Alyse), Philip Garrett McClure, and Sarah Frances McClure; four great-grandchildren, Roger Chilton “Cuatro” Hill IV, Eleanor “Ellie” Porter Hill, Emilie “Emmie” McClure Sellers and Catherine Porter Sellers; and two step-grandsons Neal Nacci (Lunden) and William Nacci. Additionally, Sally is survived by treasured first cousin Jacklyn Giles Sunderland (Lane), who she loved as a sister instead of a cousin. 

The family would like to thank AAdi Home Health and Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care along with the special group of ladies who lovingly cared for Sally at home.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 1:00pm at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial gifts to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 700 South Upper Broadway, Corpus Christi, Texas 78041; the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, 902 Nueces Bay Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78408; or a charity of your choice.

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