Lawton Clarke O’Cain

Eva Lawton Clarke O’Cain, of Estill, South Carolina, widow of Harold Adelson O’Cain, passed away peacefully at her home on July 14, 2026, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by the love of her sons in her final moments.

Born on June 23, 1939, Lawton was a cherished member of her community. Her legacy of love, strength, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Lawton was a member of Leadership South Carolina, First Families of South Carolina, The Huguenot Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Lawton Allied Families. Her love of country and our military service members was unparalleled. Lawton loved history, the land, and old houses, working to preserve both, especially her childhood home The John Lawton House. She was a lifelong member of The Estill Book Club, dedicated to its membership and purpose as she loved her friends and her books. Gardening, bluebirds, and Steamboat mustard were passions she shared with all.

She is survived by her sons, Harold Adelson (Delson) O’Cain, Jr., Lawton Laird O’Cain, her daughter-in-law Monica Sanders O’Cain, grandchildren Adams Clarke O’Cain, Graham Lawton O’Cain Carr, Lawton Sanders O’Cain, great-grandchildren Elly Rhea Carr, Easton Adams Carr, and Leah Camille O’Cain. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents Carolyn Lawton Clarke and Charles Montague “Scooter” Clarke, her sister Carolyn Virginia Clarke “Boots” Adams, and her son Montague Clarke “Scooter” O’Cain.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Lawtonville Baptist Church, Estill, SC.

All are welcome to join the family for a reception following the service at her home, the John Lawton House.

In lieu of flowers, Lawton adamantly requested memorials be made to Patrick Henry Academy, 8677 Savannah Highway, Estill, South Carolina 29918.