The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Laura Alice Hughes Clary, 93, died at home in Orange, Feb. 23, surrounded by her family. She was born in Taylor, AR July 21, 1921. She was preceded in death by her parents George H. Hughes and Celia Elizabeth Boyette Hughes; her husband of 62 years Robert M. “Bob” Clary; son George Brian Clary and 10 brothers and sisters.

Survivors are her sons and daughters-in-law Thomas Everett and Ava Clary, Robert David and Donna Clary and daughter and son-in-law Julie Michelle Clary Ford and husband David; seven grandchildren Amy Clary McIlwain and her husband Randy, Christina Ford Eddy and her husband Kyle, Grant Ford and his wife Cristen, Kevin Ford and his fiancé Sara Benson, Alison Clary, Alexia Clary, and Madison Clary and five great-grandchildren Cameron McIlwain, Hannah Eddy, Colton McIlwain, Emma Eddy, and Carson McIlwain. She is also survived by sister-in-law Roberta Clary and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Services will be at Friday at 2:00 PM at Claybar Funeral Home with the the Rev. J.B. Prouse and Chaplain Kevin Trinkle officiating. Following services, burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Bridge City.

Pallbearers will be Grant Ford, Kevin Ford, Randy McIlwain, Kyle Eddy, Wellman Richards, and Bubba Simpson. Honorary Pallbearers will be nephews Lowell Hudnall and Jimmy Hughes, friend Nancy Mericle, and Laura’s granddaughters.

Laura was a founding member of Drake Memorial Presbyterian Church which she loved dearly along with her Bible Study class. As long as health permitted, she attended both regularly.

She was one of the founders and co-owners of Orange Shipbuilding Co. Inc. She was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan, loved watching the Astros, a wonderful cook but by far an exceptional grandmother and great-grandmother. The compliment we heard most often was what a sweet, beautiful lady she was.

A special thank you to her caregivers, Nancy Mericle, Carol Haynes, and Rita Dalrymple. Also special thanks to Dr. David Cox and Gentiva Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Drake Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4647 16th St. Orange, TX 77632 or the charity of your choice.