Claudia Ebner Sargent

Claudia Sargent, known to many as Memama, went home to be with the Lord on June 21, 2022 surrounded by her devoted family.

Claudia Hyatt Zobel was born in Columbia, South Carolina on October 18, 1921, to loving parents Claude and Ruby Zobel. She married the love of her life, Earl Ebner in 1939 and together they had three children. In 1944 Claudia and Earl moved from Charleston, South Carolina to Ft. Pierce, Florida. Together, they had many businesses and traveled extensively until Earl’s death in 1981. In 1990 she married Bill Sargent and they had 16 wonderful years together until his death in 2006.

Claudia is survived by her three children, Bobbie Jo Ebner-Lerdon, Trent (Kay) Ebner, and Richard “Ric” (Denise) Ebner; nine beloved grandchildren, David (Debbie) Ebner, Michael (Lori) Ebner, Jennifer (Steve) Aydelott, Christopher Ebner, Richard “Ricky” (Kaila) Ebner, Jessica (Jason) Fletcher, Scott (Elena Schlenker) Lerdon, Marc (Melissa) Lerdon, and Lisa (Bob) Murgas. Claudia was a loving great grandmother to nineteen, Brendan (Cansadie) Ebner, Baily Ebner, Brittni Ebner, Emily Ebner, Peyton Aydelott, Maddi Ebner, Cameron Ebner, Wesley James, Spencer Murgas, Michael Lerdon, Maddison Lerdon, Evelyn Lerdon, Sydney Fletcher, Harper Fletcher, Layla Ebner, Trinity Ebner, Landon Ebner, Easton Ebner and Denise Ebner as well as four great-great grandchildren; Bryson Ebner, Kyle Ebner, Karter Ebner and Zayne Bergener. She is also survived by nephews Fred (Sophia) Ebner and Gene (Rhonda) Zobel, niece Christine Keating, and many beloved Zobel relatives, as well as her wonderful stepchildren and their families; Steve Sargent, William (Christine) Sargent, and Charles (Dale) Sargent.

Claudia is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Ebner and her husband Bill Sargent, parents Claude and Ruby Zobel, in-laws Herbert and Alice Ebner, brother Eugene and wife Irene Zobel, brother-in-law Louis and wife Millie Ebner and son-in-law Wes Lerdon.

Claudia was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and began taking dance lessons when she was just 3 years old. While still a high school student, she began performing for the American Legion and was asked to become the feature drum majorette with the University of South Carolina band. Despite never attending USC, Claudia went on to become the USC Band’s Golden Girl in 1937-38. Known for throwing her baton high in the air, she delighted the fans with her gymnastic ability. She had a full scholarship to USC and although the idea of going to college was tempting, she had already fallen in love with Earl Ebner, and they were married in August of 1939. They moved to Ft. Pierce Florida in 1944 where they raised their family. Claudia lived life to the fullest and loved to spend time with her family, garden, teach Sunday school, sew, travel, and she had an incredible talent for interior design. She and Earl had many businesses through the years, and she was always by his side. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and a woman of deep faith. Claudia was a prominent member of the community and a past member of the Seagrape Garden Club. Her indomitable spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her, and she encouraged others to persist in the face of challenges. Claudia was a gentle person who was always there to brighten the lives of others. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Her legacy will live on through her family.

A special thank you to Vitas Hospice and Claudia’s devoted caregivers. It was because of you we were able to honor her wishes to be at home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Vitas Hospice at https://vitascommunityconnection.org/ or The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home at: www.fumch.org or by mail:51 Children’s Way Enterprise, FL 32725.

Claudia's family will hold a visitation on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 11AM - 12PM with a service to begin at 12PM at the Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984. Burial will follow at White City Cemetery.