Celebrating the life of
Marcia Tallent Clanton
October 09, 1958 - March 27, 2013
Marcia Tallent Clanton
Marcia Tallent Clanton, 54, passed away March 27, 2013 in Savannah, GA.
Memorial services will be held in Franklin, NC on Saturday March 30th at Macon Funeral Home at 2:00pm. The family will receive friends starting at 1pm. There will also be a memorial service at Savannah Arts Academy in Savannah, GA on Friday April 12th at 6:30pm.
Ms. Clanton was born October 9, 1958 in Franklin to Robert Logan Tallent and Grace Yonce Tallent. She spent her early years in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1976. She received the Percy B. Ferebee academic scholarship and earned a bachelor's in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees from the University of Georgia and was pursuing her Ed.D degree at Argosy University.
Ms. Clanton worked in the Jackson County and Chatham County school systems in Georgia for thirty-one years. After initial teaching experiences, she held principalships at South Jackson, East Broad, Hubert and Savannah Arts Academy with additional service to the Chatham County Board of Education Office as Associate Superintendent. Ms. Clanton was serving as the Superintendent of the Putnam County Charter School System in Eatonton, GA at the time of her passing.
A lifelong educator, Ms. Clanton served on several education advisory boards and committees and was active in the Georgia Association of Education Leaders as well as the Professional Association of Georgia Educators. Her reputation as a hands-on leader served her well during a long work history of turning around underperforming public schools. She was named a high performing principal by the state of Georgia and was credited with making Savannah Arts Academy a nationally recognized school for academics and the arts. She set high expectations, inspired students to achieve and motivated faculty to ensure student academic growth. Her life's work was to "make a difference in the lives of students".
Her interests included music and the arts, family activities, running and reading. She also enjoyed collecting antiques and spending time at Tybee Island and Lake Oconee. She was an ardent fan of Georgia Bulldog football and UNC basketball.
Ms. Clanton is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Clanton, former husband David Clanton, her mother Grace Tallent, one brother Tim Tallent and seven half brothers and sisters.
Condolences may be expressed at www.foxandweeks.com or at www.maconfuneralhome.com. Donations in lieu of flowers in Ms. Clanton's memory can be made to the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation in Savannah at www.tybeemarinescience.org.
My sincere condolences to Marcia's family. I had the great privilege of knowing Marcia while I was living in Savannah. We became friends in 2001 while I was involved in a community theater production in which her daughter also appeared. Subsequently we became members of the same gym, enabling us to remain friends and visit whenever we both were at the gym. Such a picture of health and well being. Although I did not stay in contact with her after she moved to Putnam County and I moved to Houston, except for a few times on Facebook, I continued, as I have with many of my other Savannah friends, to keep her in my thoughts with the hope I would be able to see and visit with her if we were to ever to be able to cross paths again. Such a nice and wonderful person. With her untimely departure, we have lost a cherished friend and dynamic academic leader. May she rest in peace.
- Warren Swartz, Houston, TX
Marsha was a remarkable principal in her years at East Broad Elementary School in Savannah's historic district. She was transformative ...for the system, the children in each of the schools where she was the principal, and certainly for my daughter Carolyn Cutler. Dr. Lockamy recognized Ms. Clanton's abilities and brought her into his new administration of the Savannah-Chatham Public Schools in his early years as Superintendent. She was tough, but fair, and knew every child in the schools she managed - programs that were always managed to a higher standard. Carolyn and I want to express our deep sadness for her family and beloved daughter.
- Lou Phelps, Savannah, GA
To: The Clanton Family. I am sorry for your lost. May you find comfort and strenght in those near and dear to you.
- R. Gaines, Warrensville hts, OH
I had the pleasure of knowing Marcia. I am so filled with sorrow at her passing. I lit a candle for her at my church during the celebration of the Risen Christ. My heart and prayers are with her family. I pray that God will grant you the peace to deal with your sorrow. Marcia has touched many and will be missed. God Bless!!!!
- James Hickey, Kennesaw, GA
My condolences. During times like this we can be encouraged and comforted from Gods word the bible. At Isaiah 51:12, God says he is the one who will comfort us. The bible also offers this wonderful hope, 'The hour is coming when all those in the memorial tombs will here his voice and come out.' May the God of comfort support us all during these times.
- Daniel Lathan, Savannah, GA
Marsha was a colleague and friend. May God give her family peace in this time of sorrow.
- Stephen hefner, Savannah, GA
My sincerest sympathies to the Clanton/Tallent family. Marcia was a great lady and a fabulous member of the Junior League of Savannah! She will certainly be missed.
- Lisa Dean, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with the Clanton family at this time. I've have known Marcia since she hired me on at East Broad Elementary School. We not only worked together but became good friends. She was the administrators of both my younger children and watched them grow from small children into adulthood. Marcia touched the lives of so many of her staff, friends and students. She always let her light shine. She was one of a kind and will be truly missed. God took an angel to heaven with him and one day we will meet again. Thank you for all the wonderful memories that you left us with. Peace be with your family now.
- Debra Amerson, Garden City, GA
I've known Mrs. Clanton since the age of 5. She was my principal all throughout grade school up to the 12th. She was always there whenever I needed anything and took great care of me. We have truly lost an amazing woman! Rest in Peace.
- Leon Kearse, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Clanton was truly an amazing woman. She is honestly a person that leaves an impact. Thank you to her family for sharing her with so many...it was worth it! Rest well Mrs. Clanton, safe in our Master's arms. Tiffanie Odum Savannah Arts Academy Class of 2002
- Tiffanie Odum, Pooler, GA
To the family of Ms. Clanton- I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I'm incredibly grateful to Ms. Clanton for her passion for students, her years of public service in education, and her love for the arts. She inspired all of us to go above and beyond in life and to do it with integrity. Lifting you all up in prayer during this time that God will give you comfort, strength, healing and peace.
- Brittiany Hodge, Knoxville, TN
So sorry to hear of Marcia's passing. Worked with her many years ago in Franklin at Cagles Rest. Valued her friendship greatly. She will surely be missed. In our prayers, Tommy and Lynn Nicholson
- Lynn Shope Nicholson, Franklin, NC
So sad to hear of Marcia's passing. She was a skilled, caring educator and a wonderful human being...so full or life and energy. She will be missed!
- Karen Faircloth-Tyner, Rome, GA
Marcia and I were colleagues and friends during her years in Jackson county. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to her family,
- Sarah Greene, Athens, GA
I worked with Marcia at South Jackson Elementary. I admired her as a person and an administrator. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Hilda Lavender, Jefferson, GA
David & Lizzie, You are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless and give you comfort. Frank & Liz Harn
- Liz Harn, Savannah, GA
David & Lizzie, You are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless and give you comfort. Frank & Liz Harn
- Liz Harn, Savannah, GA
I am truly saddened by Marcia's death. Marcia was more than a colleague, but a true friend. Her death leaves a void in all the lives that she touched. I will always remember fondly the experiences we shared in taking classes, working, traveling and just hanging out together. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you Lizzie, Tim, David, and her mother Grace Tallent. With Deepest Sympathy.
- Peggy Johnson, Savannah, GA
Many wonderful memories & beautiful pictures of our happy times together - whether it was during a Dawgs game, wine tastings, & toes in the sand in the Abacos. You have touched so many lives & would have touched many others if not taken away so soon. My thoughts & prayers are with Lizzie & her family. Love you, Girl!
- Kelley O. Jeffries, Savannah, GA
Many wonderful memories & beautiful pictures of our happy times together - whether it was during a Dawgs game, wine tastings, & toes in the sand in the Abacos. You have touched so many lives & would have touched many others if not taken away so soon. My thoughts & prayers are with Lizzie & her family. Love you, Girl!
- Kelley O. Jeffries, Savannah, GA
Marcia was a former colleague and friend. I admired and respected her. She worked extremely hard and was totally dedicated to students, faculty and parents. She certainly will be missed by her family and the field of education. She left us too soon. Shirley Jordan
- Shirley Jordan, Portal, GA
My prayers and thoughts are with your family. 'Keep the Faith.' With love, Venetia Waller
- Venetia Waller, Eatonton, GA
I will always remember Marcia as a wonderful, caring person, who was smart as a whip, beautiful, and loved all about her. She was taken way too soon. I have wonderful memories of our times together in high school. Rest in peace, Marcia.
- Vance Sanders, Juneau, AK
Dear David and Lizzie- I worked for Marcia as a student teacher in Jackson County, GA and as a teacher at East Broad Elementary and Hubert Middle Schools. She inspired me to become an administrator. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kathleen Mahoney Taylor, Savannah, GA
My sincere condolences to Marcia's family. I had the great privilege of knowing Marcia while I was living in Savannah. We became friends in 2001 while I was involved in a community theater production in which her daughter also appeared. Subsequently we became members of the same gym, enabling us to remain friends and visit whenever we both were at the gym. Such a picture of health and well being. Although I did not stay in contact with her after she moved to Putnam County and I moved to Houston, except for a few times on Facebook, I continued, as I have with many of my other Savannah friends, to keep her in my thoughts with the hope I would be able to see and visit with her if we were to ever to be able to cross paths again. Such a nice and wonderful person. With her untimely departure, we have lost a cherished friend and dynamic academic leader. May she rest in peace.
- Warren Swartz, Houston, TX
Marsha was a remarkable principal in her years at East Broad Elementary School in Savannah's historic district. She was transformative ...for the system, the children in each of the schools where she was the principal, and certainly for my daughter Carolyn Cutler. Dr. Lockamy recognized Ms. Clanton's abilities and brought her into his new administration of the Savannah-Chatham Public Schools in his early years as Superintendent. She was tough, but fair, and knew every child in the schools she managed - programs that were always managed to a higher standard. Carolyn and I want to express our deep sadness for her family and beloved daughter.
- Lou Phelps, Savannah, GA
To: The Clanton Family. I am sorry for your lost. May you find comfort and strenght in those near and dear to you.
- R. Gaines, Warrensville hts, OH
I had the pleasure of knowing Marcia. I am so filled with sorrow at her passing. I lit a candle for her at my church during the celebration of the Risen Christ. My heart and prayers are with her family. I pray that God will grant you the peace to deal with your sorrow. Marcia has touched many and will be missed. God Bless!!!!
- James Hickey, Kennesaw, GA
My condolences. During times like this we can be encouraged and comforted from Gods word the bible. At Isaiah 51:12, God says he is the one who will comfort us. The bible also offers this wonderful hope, 'The hour is coming when all those in the memorial tombs will here his voice and come out.' May the God of comfort support us all during these times.
- Daniel Lathan, Savannah, GA
Marsha was a colleague and friend. May God give her family peace in this time of sorrow.
- Stephen hefner, Savannah, GA
My sincerest sympathies to the Clanton/Tallent family. Marcia was a great lady and a fabulous member of the Junior League of Savannah! She will certainly be missed.
- Lisa Dean, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with the Clanton family at this time. I've have known Marcia since she hired me on at East Broad Elementary School. We not only worked together but became good friends. She was the administrators of both my younger children and watched them grow from small children into adulthood. Marcia touched the lives of so many of her staff, friends and students. She always let her light shine. She was one of a kind and will be truly missed. God took an angel to heaven with him and one day we will meet again. Thank you for all the wonderful memories that you left us with. Peace be with your family now.
- Debra Amerson, Garden City, GA
I've known Mrs. Clanton since the age of 5. She was my principal all throughout grade school up to the 12th. She was always there whenever I needed anything and took great care of me. We have truly lost an amazing woman! Rest in Peace.
- Leon Kearse, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Clanton was truly an amazing woman. She is honestly a person that leaves an impact. Thank you to her family for sharing her with so many...it was worth it! Rest well Mrs. Clanton, safe in our Master's arms. Tiffanie Odum Savannah Arts Academy Class of 2002
- Tiffanie Odum, Pooler, GA
To the family of Ms. Clanton- I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I'm incredibly grateful to Ms. Clanton for her passion for students, her years of public service in education, and her love for the arts. She inspired all of us to go above and beyond in life and to do it with integrity. Lifting you all up in prayer during this time that God will give you comfort, strength, healing and peace.
- Brittiany Hodge, Knoxville, TN
So sorry to hear of Marcia's passing. Worked with her many years ago in Franklin at Cagles Rest. Valued her friendship greatly. She will surely be missed. In our prayers, Tommy and Lynn Nicholson
- Lynn Shope Nicholson, Franklin, NC
So sad to hear of Marcia's passing. She was a skilled, caring educator and a wonderful human being...so full or life and energy. She will be missed!
- Karen Faircloth-Tyner, Rome, GA
Marcia and I were colleagues and friends during her years in Jackson county. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to her family,
- Sarah Greene, Athens, GA
I worked with Marcia at South Jackson Elementary. I admired her as a person and an administrator. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Hilda Lavender, Jefferson, GA
David & Lizzie, You are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless and give you comfort. Frank & Liz Harn
- Liz Harn, Savannah, GA
David & Lizzie, You are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless and give you comfort. Frank & Liz Harn
- Liz Harn, Savannah, GA
I am truly saddened by Marcia's death. Marcia was more than a colleague, but a true friend. Her death leaves a void in all the lives that she touched. I will always remember fondly the experiences we shared in taking classes, working, traveling and just hanging out together. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you Lizzie, Tim, David, and her mother Grace Tallent. With Deepest Sympathy.
- Peggy Johnson, Savannah, GA
Many wonderful memories & beautiful pictures of our happy times together - whether it was during a Dawgs game, wine tastings, & toes in the sand in the Abacos. You have touched so many lives & would have touched many others if not taken away so soon. My thoughts & prayers are with Lizzie & her family. Love you, Girl!
- Kelley O. Jeffries, Savannah, GA
Many wonderful memories & beautiful pictures of our happy times together - whether it was during a Dawgs game, wine tastings, & toes in the sand in the Abacos. You have touched so many lives & would have touched many others if not taken away so soon. My thoughts & prayers are with Lizzie & her family. Love you, Girl!
- Kelley O. Jeffries, Savannah, GA
Marcia was a former colleague and friend. I admired and respected her. She worked extremely hard and was totally dedicated to students, faculty and parents. She certainly will be missed by her family and the field of education. She left us too soon. Shirley Jordan
- Shirley Jordan, Portal, GA
My prayers and thoughts are with your family. 'Keep the Faith.' With love, Venetia Waller
- Venetia Waller, Eatonton, GA
I will always remember Marcia as a wonderful, caring person, who was smart as a whip, beautiful, and loved all about her. She was taken way too soon. I have wonderful memories of our times together in high school. Rest in peace, Marcia.
- Vance Sanders, Juneau, AK
Dear David and Lizzie- I worked for Marcia as a student teacher in Jackson County, GA and as a teacher at East Broad Elementary and Hubert Middle Schools. She inspired me to become an administrator. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kathleen Mahoney Taylor, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
