In Memoriam

 

Clara Nance
1955-2008
 
Clara Nance, 52, of Front Royal passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.
 
For those of you that did not know Clara she was an integral part of the success of SPC Financial, Inc.  She joined SPC in the 1970's and initially worked exclusively with Bill Chatfield.  She was his right arm and handled all of the operational and administrative duties at that time.  In this age of computers and downloads it is difficult to remember that back then everything had to be tracked manually and financial plans were prepared with a pencil and calculator and then typed on a typewriter.  She was the brains and the brawn behind the organization that was needed created to do this.
 
She continued to expand and improve the organizational structure as SPC grew from just her and Bill to what it is today.  Her systems and procedures will live on as a testament to her foresight and organization.
 
Never content to sit still, she took and passed the CFP in the 1980's and continued to pursue knowledge and learning throughout her career at SPC.  For those of us that had the pleasure to work with her, her effort and dedication were inspiring.  She never complained (at least loudly) and she was constantly striving to improve.  When the SEC first mandated the need for a Chief Compliance Officer she was the logical choice and she rose to the challenge and did a fantastic job.  On our last SEC audit we received a no change audit.  This is almost unheard of and is a testament to the dedication and commitment that she brought to the job.
 
When first diagnosed with the cancer, she fought back hard and she has fought hard for the last three years.  Unfortunately the cancer finally won the battle and the loss that we feel today is softened slightly knowing that she is now in a better place, free from the pain and suffering that the cancer inflicted on her body.
 
SPC lost a leader and inspiration, and her family lost a loving wife, sister, aunt, niece and daughter.  On the other hand, heaven has gained a great one.
 
Surviving are her mother Lillie Bryant of Front Royal; husband John Bender of Front Royal; one stepson John W. Bender and his wife Sarah of Tallahassee, FL; one sister Rachel Hill and her husband Tom of Front Royal; a stepmother Christine Bryant of Bedford; a granddaughter Rachael Nicole Bender; and five nephews Gregory Hill, Nicholas Hill and his wife Danielle, Andrew Hill, Nathan Hill, and Jason Hill.