Clara Hilderbrand Camp

She passed away at the age of 97 on April 22, 2023 in Atlanta surrounded by family, the greatest joy in her life. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Elwood Harry Camp, on September 11, 2001.

Clara was an only child, but she had a large extended family. Family was always important in her life! She graduated from Commercial High School, where she played the drum in the marching band and the oboe in the school orchestra. At 97, she could still recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution that she had learned in high school. Upon graduation, she worked for the American Red Cross, and then the city government, where she met her charming husband, Elwood Camp. When he came to buy a commercial permit, he was so smitten with Clara that he asked her out. She told him that she couldn’t possibly go because she was engaged! His persistence paid off and the date she agreed to eventually led to their marriage on February 23, 1947. They lived happily together for 54 years. She was a home girl and never left Atlanta except for a short tour of duty in Puerto Rico, where Elwood was stationed with the Army Air Corp. Their greatest delight was their three children, and they were so proud of each of them. Woody Camp (Millie) of Nashville, Tennessee; Jan Russell (Cliff) of Atlanta, Georgia; and Chuck Camp (Kathy) of Mobile, Alabama.

Clara was tiny in stature but large in commitment to her family. Everyone commented on her physical beauty, but it was her sweet kind spirit that endeared her to others. She loved deeply and was deeply loved. She didn’t work outside the home after marrying, but Clara was a devoted wife and mother - a true homemaker. She was always a willing volunteer and participated in all her children’s activities, from Medlock Elementary throughout their school years. She later was a Pink Lady at DeKalb Hospital, where she loved on new babies and their mamas. She was involved with the Wives’ Club of General Motors, where Elwood worked for 40 years. She was also an active member of Kingswood United Methodist Church, where she faithfully participated in her Sunday School class and helped in the church office.

Clara shared the love for her children with five grandchildren: Ashley Henry (Tim) of Nashville, Tennessee; Brian Camp (Sara) of Nashville, Tennessee; Christopher Camp (Jenny) of Nashville, Tennessee; Scott Russell (Emily) of Atlanta, Georgia; and Laura Bryant (Brooks) of Atlanta, Georgia. Her blessings continued with thirteen great grandchildren: Macie, Max and JM Camp; Maddie, Emalyn and Beasley Camp; Anna Caroline and Jackson Henry of Nashville, Tennessee; Grady, Libba and Eloise Russell; Woods and Hudson Bryant of Atlanta, Georgia.

Always the loving caregiver, she stood at the top of her driveway and cried every time one of her children backed out of the driveway to head home. Saturday, all of her children lovingly gathered around her and cried as she went home. Tears of sadness but also tears of joy. Grace and Peace, Mom.

A memorial will be held July 29, 2023 at 1:00 at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 4896 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the church or the charity of your choice.