Clara Rutherford Gilbert

Clara was born in Meridian, MS on May 3, 1938 to Willie Mae Dearman and Eli Calvin Rutherford. She graduated from Lauderdale High School near Meridian, MS in 1956.

Clara married William Lawrence (Bill) Gilbert on Easter Sunday, April 6,1958, in Biloxi, MS, and together they had two children, Linda Grace and John Owen. Clara and Bill met at the University of Southern MS where she worked in the Registrar’s Office and he was a student. They were married for more than 62 years. She initially was a homemaker, but went to work when the children were in middle school. Her career spanned for a total of 28 years where she worked for the Hinds County Tax Collector for 3 years and later served as the Deputy Tax Assessor for Hinds County for 25 years. She enjoyed flower gardening, studying the genealogy of her family, and spending time with her friends and family. One of her favorite pastimes was going at least weekly to her favorite beauty shop, Cut’n Up, to be pampered by her friend, Ann Caballero, and to visit with friends. Prior to the pandemic and health-related issues, Clara actively attended Highland Colony Baptist Church.

Over the years, Bill and Clara lived in Utica, Clinton, and Jackson, MS. For the past 26+ years they resided in Ridgeland, MS.

Clara is survived by her children, Linda Grace Hagler (Luke) of Madison, MS and John Owen Gilbert (Deborah) of Ridgeland, MS; her three grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mama Claire”, Daniel Gilbert (Camille) of Madison, George Hagler of Huntsville, AL and Lauren Gilbert Rodgers (Cody) of Canton; four great-grandchildren, Caleb (14), Heidi (6), Elle (7), and Lucy (2); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, who passed away on February 5, 2022, her parents, and all twelve of her siblings. Clara was a twin, but her twin sister, Josephine, died shortly after birth. The hospital sent her mother and father home from the hospital and told them not to expect the twins to live. Clara not only survived, but she thrived for 85 blessed years!

Pallbearers are: Caleb Gilbert, Daniel Gilbert, James Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert, George Hagler, Luke Hagler, and Cody Rodgers. Honorary Pallbearers are: Butch Dixon, Charles Vance, Henry Vance, and Ricky Whatley.

Funeral services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS on July 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Jay Richardson will officiate the service. Visitation for Clara Rutherford Gilbert will be held at Parkway Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 p.m. on July 13, 2023, with the burial to follow at Carpenter Cemetery, 1534-1602 Hurricane Road, Utica, MS 39175.

Memorial donations may be made in Clara R. Gilbert’s name to the Carpenter Cemetery Fund c/o Clifford Strong, 2010 Hurricane Road, Hermanville, MS 39086, to the American Diabetes Association, or to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Gilbert family.