Eleanor C Kline

Eleanor Craig Kline, 98, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered eternal rest on Monday, August 26, 2024. Her Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street at 11:30 am. The family will receive guests following the service. A private inurnment will be held at Live Oak Memorial Gardens.

Eleanor was born January 29, 1926 in Pickens County, South Carolina, daughter of the late Olin Lemuel Craig and Pearl Garvin Craig. 

Her life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to teaching, her passion for history, and her deep love for family and community. Eleanor graduated cum laude from Winthrop College in 1947, where she was honored with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award. After earning her degree, she embarked on a distinguished career in education, beginning with teaching in Columbia City Schools before her marriage in 1950. She went on to teach high school history and political science in Charleston area schools, with a notable three-year tenure in Decatur City Schools in Atlanta. Her dedication to education was further exemplified by her graduate studies at the University of South Carolina, The Citadel, and Georgia State University. 

A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, Eleanor was actively involved in religious, social and political circles in Charleston. Her impact as a teacher was profound and enduring; she remained in touch with her students through cards and phone calls until her final days. Eleanor’s passion for teaching and history made her a beloved mentor and friend to many. 

Eleanor’s warmth and vibrant personality extended beyond the classroom. She was known for her excellent cooking, her love of summers on Fripp Island with her husband, and her infectious sense of humor. A passionate political enthusiast, Eleanor formed friendships with several South Carolina politicians and their families. Her laugh was joyful, and she delighted in sharing amusing stories about her niece and nephews. 

Described as a walking history book, Eleanor’s storytelling brought South Carolina’s past to life and preserved the memories of her beloved family. Her beautiful penmanship and treasured letters were reflections of her generous spirit, as she regularly contributed to various charities. 

Eleanor’s legacy lives on through the countless students whose lives she touched over her four-decade teaching career. Her dedication to her students and her role as a mentor extended well into their adulthood, underscoring the profound impact she had on so many. 

She is survived by two nephews, Steven E. Craig (Molly) and Mike Craig (Kitzi); a niece, Rebecca Craig McNichols (Jim); and 8 great nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Oliver Kline; a brother Olin Lemuel Craig Jr.; and sister-in-law, Jane Atkinson Craig. 

Memorial donations can be made in Eleanor's memory to Epworth Children’s Home.