Clara Evelyn Gilbert Harris

Mrs. Clara Evelyn Gilbert Harris, 93, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday morning, September 8, 2023, at Twelve Oaks Assisted Living Facility.  Mrs. Harris was born August 16, 1930, in Chatham County, one of four children born to the late Lamar Monroe and Olive Dorothy Perry Gilbert.  Clara graduated from Siler City High School in 1948 and Women’s College (now UNC-G) in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in primary education.  She retired as a teacher from Beulah Elementary School in 1991 and was a devoted member of NCAE.  She was a Christian and a member of Highland Park Baptist Church.  Through the years, Clara served faithfully in the Women’s Missionary Union, a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and director, and a mission leader.  She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Robin and Doug Hawkins and Rhonda Harris; a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Robbie Harris; her grandchildren, Josh Harris, Megan and Thomas Fenstermacher, Heather and Jeremy Mathis, Ryan Hawkins, Wesley Harris, and Brad Harrell; and ten great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harris was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Aaron Harris; two sisters, Edith Hearn and Margaret Caveness; and a brother, Paul Gilbert.  A service of worship and celebration of Clara’s life will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Dr. Darrell Tate officiating.  Interment will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 12:30 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home.  Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Clara’s niece, Celeste Caveness Clark, who serves as a missionary.  Please send your memorial donation to Camp Nathanael, P.O. Box 129, Emmalena, KY  41740.