Obituary of Claudia Fulmer Sineath

Claudia Fulmer Sineath

West Columbia - Claudia Sineath of West Columbia, passed away at home after sharing a long and full life with everyone who met her. She was born at home on October 24, 1929 in "New Brookland", SC, where she was reared. She attended Brookland Cayce High School where she was a cheerleader. On September 6, 1947, she married her husband of 64 years, George Sineath, at Brookland United Methodist Church on Meeting Street which began her career as a Naval officer's wife.

On April 25, 1953, her beloved daughter, Diane, was born and because of Diane's profound involvement with cerebral palsy, Claudia became an active and very vocal advocate for organizations associated with United Cerebral Palsy along with other social groups, assisted living facilities and activity centers that cared for the needs of those with all forms of physical challenges.

In addition to the exceptional rigors of normal military life and relocations over the course of 28 years, Claudia and George traveled with Diane all over the United States exposing her to the beauty of America and enriching Diane's life by introducing her to many noteworthy personalities ranging from famous entertainers to influential political figures to many other souls like her who also shared the kinds of challenges that she did. Diane was Claudia's sole purpose for all she did in her life and Claudia was God's gift to her daughter.

But, despite her commitment to Diane, Claudia still worked when she could as a typist and secretary in different locations throughout their Navy career until George retired from the Navy.

They then moved back to West Columbia where in 1972 they moved into their home in the beautiful Westover Acres neighborhood where she lived with George and Diane for the rest of her life among many loving and supportive neighbors. Claudia was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. For many years she was a member of the Lexington County Voter Registration Commission and was also a Notary Public, but her main interest continued being active in the community advocating for public access for the handicapped. Claudia was always vocal in making sure that all sidewalks and public buildings throughout the city were wheelchair accessible.

She also helped to organize the "Citizens for Advancement of the Physically Handicapped" (CAPH). Her involvement and volunteer work at the Respite House in Columbia was also time she cherished, where her daughter, Diane, went to share so much time with her friends for many years.

Claudia was predeceased by her parents, G.W. “Dook” Fulmer Sr. and Emmy; her husband, George Sineath, her daughter, Diane; and both her brothers, George, Jr. "Skinny" Fulmer and Charles "Charlie" Fulmer.

She is survived by many family members and friends, including her nephew, Micheal Fulmer and wife Pam; her cousins, Ann Baugh and Judy Powell and their families; lifetime friends Sallie and David Bendt; her friends, Jewel and English Pearcy and to all at Trinity United Methodist Church; Bill East; Ernie and Sandy Ellis; Joel and Linda Temples; and “Red Jacket Tours” administrators, Spencer and Angela Whetstone and Beverly Jackson.

Our gratitude to the staff at Carroll Campbell Place in Lexington and a special thank you to the whole staff at Daybreak Adult Care Services for all the years. Also, thank you to Aretha, Toya and Cheryl from Medical Services of America for wonderful end stage support.

Graveside services for Claudia Sineath will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina, 1101 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169,  or any end-stage care organization.