Library Display Honors Beloved Educator Jean Clift   Clifton Forge, VA (August 13, 2019) - Compliments of the Clifton Forge High School Alumni Association, the Clifton Forge Public Library is featuring a display in honor of the late Jean Clift, beloved educator for 44 years. Along with other pictures and memorabilia, the display features photographs of the Clifton Forge Band, organized in 1938, and a group photo of the 50th reunion of the 1939 graduating class. Charlie Kahle, a close friend of Mrs. Clift and her family, offered insight into the life of this well-loved lady who is often described by former students as gracious, a gentle spirit, and someone who always greeted you with a smile. Mrs. Clift was a Clifton Forge native, a graduate of its public schools, and went on to earn her college degree from Mary Washington College, now the University of Mary Washington. “After college,” Mr. Kahle says, “she taught in Virginia public education in Martinsville, Newport News, and Ashland prior to moving back to Clifton Forge where she spent the bulk of her career.” He continues, “Many a graduate thank Jean for the typing and business skills she taught them. But I suspect it was the manner in which they were taught and nurtured that stands out the most.” “It was in Martinsville,” Charlie adds, “that Jean met her future husband, Rorer Clift. They were married and moved to the eastern part of the state where she taught and Rorer worked in pharmaceutical sales. It was Rorer's decision to pursue a degree in pharmacy that led them to move to Ashland. When he completed his degree, they were thrilled to relocate to Jean’s hometown and eventually purchase Owens Pharmacy.” He continues, “Jean became a fixture at the pharmacy putting her degree in business to work by assisting Rorer with the books and waiting on customers.” Mrs. Clift was a member of the Central United Methodist Church and also attended the Clifton Forge Baptist Church. One of her earlier Bibles, engraved with her name, is included in the display. On a personal note, Mr. Kahle says a couple of things stand out. “As a young child, Jean was introduced to her aunt and uncle's seasonal camp on the Cowpasture River. In fact, they formed her earliest memories.  She loved the time spent there with her family and was thrilled to be back later in life with her husband, who came to enjoy the camp as much as she. There, they also spent every summer, entertaining family and friends.”  Continuing, Mr. Kahle offers that “Jean also developed a stellar reputation as a wedding director, following in the footsteps of her mother, Lillian Woolwine. She helped with countless weddings with an attention to detail and effortless grace that contributed to many a memorable ceremony.” Mr. Kahle concludes, “I think the statement I heard Jean offer countless times, ‘I taught for 44 years and loved every minute of it,’ best sums up her passion for teaching and dedication to students, wherever she taught.” The display honoring Jean Clift will be featured at the Clifton Forge Public Library throughout August. The Library is located at 535 Church Street. For information on any library programs or activities, phone 863-2519.

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