Barbara Lauderdale, 80, of Due West, SC, a 1947 graduate of Chamblee (GA) High School and 1951 graduate of Erskine College, died March 8, after a long illness. A native of Kansas, Mrs. Lauderdale was a public school and piano teacher, choral director, church organist, and hand bell choir director, and led the music ministry in Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) churches in in Troutman, NC; Charlotte, NC; and in Due West, SC.

She served as a Girl Scout Leader at Covenant Presbyterian; President of the Women of the ARP denomination; on the Erskine College Board of Trustees; and in key leadership roles at many church conferences, the Music Conference, at the Bonclarken Assembly Grounds in NC.

She was pre-deceased by her husband of 54 years, Rev. W.C. “Chap” Lauderdale and survived by two children, Rebecca Tatum and Jim Lauderdale; a grandson, Mark Tatum; a sister, Elaine Goree; and countless nieces, nephews, students and friends who remember her elegant poise, intelligence, hard work, and empathy, as well as her gifts for music and hospitality, vivacious personality, and her keen sense of humor.

The family extends special thanks to the nursing staff at Covenant Way, formerly Due West Retirement Center, where Mrs. Lauderdale was a resident for many years; and to Judy Burts, who has given much supportive friendship to the family through the years.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at the Due West (SC) ARP Church at 3 p.m., and visitation with the family at the church will follow.

Donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, to Covenant Way, P.O. Box 307, Due West, SC 29639 or to the W. C. Lauderdale Scholarship Fund at Erskine Theological Seminary (P.O .Box 668, Due West, SC 29639), which provides assistance for female students enrolled in Erskine Theological Seminary.

“Love is a song ~ God is the music”

Online condolences may be made to the Lauderdale family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com

The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Lauderdale family.