Ferguson, Claire Bumgarner
94, of St.Petersburg, passed away peacefully October 25, 2016. Born in London, Ohio February 21, 1922 she moved as a child to Deland, Florida where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stetson University, Class of 1944. While teaching in Orlando she met her future husband Dwight. They were married June 19, 1947 and settled in St.Petersburg. They lovingly raised four appreciative children, David, Stephen, Jean and Robert, all college graduates. Many childhood friends also benefitted from the nurturing love and counsel of Claire and Dwight. Both parents devoted their lives to helping others in so many ways. After Dad, ( Purple Heart, US Navy, WWII ), retired as the Chief Pharmacist at Bay Pines VA facility, he spent many years volunteering at church, area hospitals and schools. Mom was a lifetime supporter of the Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise,Fl., was church historian and a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Methodist Women's Society as well as a Hospice volunteer. Both were generous donors to a multitude of charities and causes.
Claire and Dwight lived the quintessential love story: love of their faith, country and sense of duty, love of family and everyone they met, but the ultimate, never-questioned love for each other. They are now eternally where they belong--together. Mom, Dad and Steve, you are loved and missed more than you can imagine.
Predeceased by her parents, Edgar and Lita Bumgarner, her husband Dwight and son Stephen, Claire is survived by her daughter Jean ( Steve Sally ), sons David and Robert, granddaughter Kristi and sister Laura Mae Ridings.
A service will be held Friday, November 18th, 10:45 AM at the Bay Pines National Cemetery along with a celebration of life at 7:00 PM that same evening at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 6801 38th Avenue North, St.Petersburg. Please, feel free to attend one or both. Those wishing may make donations to the Florida Methodist Children's Home or the St.Petersburg Free Clinic.