She met Bobby Clardy at Livingston College (University of West Alabama) in 1952. They were married on Christmas Day and spent 68 wonderful years together. They loved to travel, visiting 49 of 50 states. They spent many happy days together at their beach house in Gulf Shores. She was an avid reader and wrote many fun stories about family trips. Nila loved her family and friends and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Nila graduated in the first graduating class from the University of South Alabama in 1966 and later received her masters degree and administrative degree from USA.
Nila worked for the Mobile County Public School System for 20 years as a teacher, a reading specialist and as one of the system’s first Instructional Specialists. She was a wonderful, creative teacher and shared her talents with many future teachers. She taught at Mobile College, was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society and of Century Book Club. Nila was a longtime member of Springhill Baptist Church.
Nila is survived by her loving husband Bob, her daughters Phyllis Wingard (Michael) and Sandy Roberts (Bill), grandchildren Justin Litaker, Candace Headland (Anthony), Cole Litaker (Rachael), Heather Harp, Brandon Wingard, Sarah Hilscher (Nick), Mark Roberts (Kristen), Lindsey Coker (Dennis) and 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Donald Maness (Carolyn), Fran Clardy (John), Thalyer McCarroll (Sandy) and Bobbie Whidby.
The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care Nila received from Beth, her nurse and Jennifer, her aide from Gentiva Hospice as well as her caregivers Andrea, LaSonya and Pat. She loved them dearly. A special thank you to family and friends who have been so supportive and caring during this time.
Services will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023. Family will gather at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street at 9:30. Visitation for family and friends will be at 11:00 at Springhill Baptist Church on McGregor Avenue, followed by a memorial service at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to the charity of your choice in her honor. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
