Emily Clyburn, a revered librarian, civil rights activist, and the wife of House Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, passed away Thursday morning at the age of 80, according to a statement from the congressman’s office.
Emily and Jim Clyburn’s enduring love story began in the heat of the civil rights movement. The couple met in jail after being arrested for participating in a civil rights demonstration as students at South Carolina State College in 1960. They married a little over a year later and remained together for 58 years.
A well-respected figure in South Carolina, Emily Clyburn was passionate about education and dedicated much of her life to raising scholarship funds for students at her alma mater. Earlier this year, she and her husband contributed and raised $1.7 million in endowed funds to establish the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College Scholarship Endowment at South Carolina State University, ensuring future generations have access to higher education.
Throughout her career, Clyburn made significant contributions to education and library sciences. She was instrumental in establishing the library programs at W.G. Sanders Middle School and Fairwold Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. She also served as head librarian at the Charleston Naval Academy and later worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Columbia before retiring in 1994.
The news of her passing was met with an outpouring of condolences from leaders across the political spectrum.
“In Congress, we all were blessed to see the great love that Jim and Emily shared over nearly six decades of marriage.Their love, forged during the fight for civil rights, brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know them,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “Emily Clyburn was a champion of equality and opportunity who made a difference for countless young people in her beloved South Carolina.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also paid tribute, calling her “one of the most kind and dynamic people I had ever met” and lauding her for a “consequential life” that positively shaped South Carolina and the nation.
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) extended his condolences, stating, “Our prayers are with Jim and his beautiful family in their moments of grief.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden remembered Clyburn as a driving force for change. “Throughout our years of friendship with the Clyburn family, she was always a force, pushing not only her husband but all of us who knew her well to live up to our better angels. She was a remarkable woman — an activist and community leader, a true partner throughout Jim’s career in public office.”
A celebration of Emily Clyburn’s life and legacy is scheduled to take place at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina, at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Her Homegoing Services will be held at Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Emily Clyburn’s lifelong commitment to justice, education, and community service leaves an indelible mark, ensuring that her legacy of advocacy and empowerment will endure for generations to come.
