Clara O'Clay Worthy

Smithville— Clara O’Clay Tate Worthy, 85, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018, at Gilmore Memorial. Born on September 19, 1932, in Itawamba County, she was a daughter of the late James Coley and Flora Pickle Tate.
Clara attended New Salem and Smithville Schools and eloped in the 11th grade. In 1953, she moved to Rockford, IL, with her husband, where they lived for three years before returning to Smithville. During her career, she worked with Monroe Trousers and Wilson Manufacturing. After retiring, Clara became certified as a CNA, working for Golden Living for 17 years. She always had a big heart filled with compassion and quickly became a great source of comfort to the families. She retired in 1997, to help care of her mother and always exhibited a wonderful mother’s love to her own children.
Clara was baptized in Rockford, IL, as a member of the Church of Christ. Her fondest memories were spent with her family on holidays, especially Christmas. She loved spending time with her family. Clara was known for her resilience and strong work ethic. She raised four children and they started working when they were young as well. She loved getting her hair fixed and always stressed how important it was to look good when going out. She had an appreciation for the beauty of flowers, especially roses, and in her free time she collected dolls and family portraits. Clara kept a vegetable garden and enjoyed listening to Country and Bluegrass music. Clara leaves a great legacy for her children and grandchildren; her family takes comfort in knowing that they will see her again one day.
Clara is survived by her daughter, Brenda Ausborne (Larry), Parham Community; sons, Larry Lynn Worthy; Smithville, Danny L. Worthy (Loretta), Amory; sister, Peggy Pickle, Lindenhurst, IL; brother, Jimmy Tate (Carol), Aberdeen; grandchildren, Wendy Boyd (Thomas), Misty Holley, Jessica Johns (Jason), Diana Worthy, Katie Beth Worthy; great-grandchildren, Anna Marie Morgan (Jonathan); Keigan and Kaleb Holley; Lilly Grace Johns; Lulu Beth Atkins; and a great-great-granddaughter on the way, Stella Marie.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her child, Bobby Joey Worthy; brothers, Douglas Tate and James Ray; father of her children, Julian Lynn Worthy; sisters-in-law, Doris Tate and Jean Tate; brother-in-law, Dewey Pickle.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2PM, Friday, February 9 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Mr. Philip Hathcock and Mr. David Highland officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Steve Chism, Chris Tate, Dwight Tate, Jason Johns, Tony Dill, Ronnie Summerford, David Pickle, Thomas Boyd. Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Ray, Randy Gray, Jimmy Edwards, Phil Sargent, J.B. Markham.
Visitation will be from 5-8PM Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.