Legacy Reserve at Fairview Park
Newsletter

Clare Jane McAbee, known fondly as Jane, was a slightly delayed Christmas gift, born on December 27, 1938, in Spartanburg, SC. Raised in Spartanburg, she graduated from Spartanburg High in 1957 and attended Cecil Business School shortly thereafter. Jane attributes much of her wisdom and values to her beloved grandmother, who played a significant role in her upbringing.

In 1960, Jane married her charming friend Curtis Nivens, and together they built a beautiful life. They welcomed two children, Tracy and Angela, and eventually moved to Greenville, SC, where they embraced the joys of family life in the 1970s. In the late ’70s, Jane re-entered the workforce, holding various roles that showcased her exceptional organizational skills. From secretary to a school principal to Parish Secretary at Christ Church in Greenville, she excelled in each position. Her career culminated as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Jacobs Engineering, where she worked for 15 years before retiring.

Family trips to the beach became an annual tradition, and Jane and Curtis fostered a love for the Grand Strand culture. In the 1980s, they discovered their passion for the Shag dance, South Carolina’s official state dance. Their dedication and talent earned them recognition, and in 2001, Jane was inducted into The Beach Shagger’s National Hall of Fame, followed by Curtis in 2003. Their names and photos are proudly displayed in The Shagger’s Hall of Fame Museum at the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort, as well as on pavers along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.

In addition to dancing, Jane and Curtis enjoyed skiing, though the sport took a toll on Jane’s body. Her adventurous spirit and determination have led to a collection of artificial parts, including knee replacements and femur hardware. Despite these challenges, Jane’s resilience shines through, and she approaches life with humor and grace.

Today, Jane is a proud grandmother to three grandchildren and a great-grandmother, with another great-grandchild on the way. She finds joy in life’s simple pleasures, from a good book or movie to spending time with loved ones and spreading kindness wherever she goes.

Since the passing of her beloved husband in January 2024, Jane has embraced a new chapter of life with authenticity and humility. She is enjoying her time at Legacy Reserve, building connections with her fellow residents and cherishing the supportive community around her.

When asked about her experience at Legacy Reserve, Jane shared:
“I like living at Legacy Reserve because the residents and staff are so nice. I enjoy the activities, everyone is friendly, and I never feel alone.”

Congratulations, Jane, and thank you for being an inspiration to all of us!