Audrey Lucille Estes

Audrey “Granny” L. Estes, of NHC, went to sleep and woke up in Glory. Known by all around Clinton as “Granny,” she lived a very full life of 99 years. She began those years in the hills of Cosby, TN, then moved to Clinton, at the age of fourteen, to find work in the cotton mills, to provide for her siblings. She met a handsome man there, that was doing the same thing, Oliver Estes, and together they raised a family and built a life together for over fifty years, until his passing. 'Granny' loved to work and enjoyed meeting people, so she had many jobs over the years. She and her husband both retired from Lydia Mill, but she was also employed at Whitten Center for many years. She worked and/or volunteered at many places over the years; Wilson's Curb Market, managed Bantam Chef, The Salvation Army, as a foster grandparent at Eastside Elementary School, but something that really brought many blessings and memories, was helping in the food line at The Open Door. She always had stories about the wonderful friends she made from PC.

She was a lifelong member of the Lydia Pentecostal Church, but also attended Lydia Church of God, and Prince of Peace Church. She loved playing her guitar and singing gospel music (but her true love was bluegrass), reading her Bible, and crocheting.

In addition to her husband Oliver Estes. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joyce O'Shields, three siblings, a grandchild and great grandchild.

She is survived by her daughter, Lucille Nelson (Jimmy) of Clinton; her special granddaughter, Teresa Vaughn (Ken) of Spartanburg; her son, Lawrence Estes (Jean); eight grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Mary Howell.

Living for almost a century is an accomplishment in itself, but to be the kind of person everyone called “Granny” adds so much pride to go with all of the love that we have for her. There will forever be a hole in our hearts and lives, that only she could fill.

Graveside Services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Pinelawn Memory Gardens at 2:00 PM with Rev. Robbie Hughes and Terry Knight officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VIA Health Partners (formerly Hospice of Laurens County,) PO Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325, or The Open Door Ministry, PO Box 925, Clinton, SC 29325.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Estes family with services.