Clara Mae Kilgore's Obituary
Clara Mae Thompson Kilgore, 84, passed away from natural causes on March 16, 2018, at her home in Jacksonville, Fla. Originally from Crossville, Ala., she was one of five children born to Josie and Harlan Thompson, and raised in a Christian home, and loved the Lord very much all her life.
When Clara was 15, she moved with her family to Mount Dora, Fla., where she attended high school and met Horace Kilgore and was married for 25 years. Clara and Horace raised their two children, Gloria and Chappy, in Tavares, Fla., along with Horace’s half-brother Johnny. Clara was a homemaker and taught Sunday school along with her husband at First Baptist Church of Tavares. Later she was employed by the Lake County School Board for 15 years as a school bus driver.
The Kilgore family enjoyed camping trips to Alexander Springs and other areas. They would also frequently visit her sister Melrose, her family and her parents in Hilliard, Fla.
In 1982, she began working as a hostess at Mid-Florida Lakes, Zellwood Station and a restaurant in Apopka. This work was very fulfilling to her as she was always full of life and the life of the party. She enjoyed conversation with everyone and would not hesitate to give you a big hug.
In 1989, Clara moved to Callahan, much closer to her sister Melrose, and became a caregiver. In 1992 she moved to Jacksonville and became a caregiver and companion to Jim Suits for 22 years until he passed in 2013. She and Jim had a lot of fun together traveling to the mountains. After Jim’s death, she and her daughter Gloria served as a caregiver for Jim’s sister.
Clara was very active in her church, Lane Avenue Church of God in Jacksonville. She enjoyed collecting dolls, caring for her cats and dog, and spending time with her daughter, as they felt blessed to live together.
She is survived by her Daughter: Gloria; Son: Chappy (Dawn); three Grandchildren: Samantha Rogers (Garth), Mary Lee Jean-Francois (Ricky), and Ashley Kilgore;
seven Great- Grandchildren; Nephew: Jimmy Conner (Sherry); Niece: Pam Holcombe (Mike); Nephew: Ulay Thompson, Jr. ;(Gretchen); Niece :Molly Fisher; Great -Nieces: Sherry Harris (Clay); and numerous other nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents: Josie and Harlan Thompson; Brothers: Ulay and HL; Sister: Melrose; and Twin Sister: Sarah; several nieces and nephews, and her only Grandson: Justin. She will be greatly missed but the family takes comfort in that she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until noon for a visitation at Liberty Baptist Church in Tavares on Saturday, March 24, 2018 followed by a service at noon.
Services have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin and Hilbish Funerals and Cremations. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the tribute wall.
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