Clara Whilby

MOTHER CLARA ANN WHILBY, the daughter of the late Elijah and Eva Holly, was born on January 1, 1903 in Coleraine, North Carolina. She received her early education in North Carolina.Aunt Clara, as she was affectionately called by many, moved to New York in the early 1920’s to live with her aunt. There she performed many jobs, among them private and hotel housekeeping and dry cleaning services. Aunt Clara often mentioned the meticulous care and pride she had in performing her work duties. After spending many years in New York, Aunt Clara moved to Hartford, Connecticut. There she met and married George Whilby in 1954.In 1964 Mother Whilby moved to Baltimore, Maryland to be with her sister, Mary-Lou Evans. Her sister was instrumental in leading Mother Whilby to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She was baptized and received the Holy Ghost in August, 1965. Mother Whilby received the right hand of fellowship the first Sunday in September, 1965 under the leadership of Bishop Winfield A. Showell.Under the pastorship of Bishop Cornelius Showell, Mother Whilby served on the Women’s Choir, Senior Choir and the Temple Choir. On of her favorite sons was “Order My Steps”. She was a faithful member of the Sunday School Department and when she was not able to attend, she sent both her Sunday school and Church Offering. Mother Whilby loved the Wednesday Mid-Day Services with the Seniors and did so until her health failed.Aunt Clara had a great sense of humor and she was very inquisitive. Whatever she wanted to know, no matter what the subject, she asked and she did not mind waiting to hear the full explanation. Aunt Clara loved to fellowship with the Saints and she enjoyed talking and laughing with the young people. She also loved to eat and was a great cook in her younger years. On Sunday’s she looked forward to going out to dinner.On Friday, December 9, 2005 at 4:15, Mother Clara Whilby peacefully slipped from labor to reward. One daughter preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory, two devoted nieces, Bessie Watford and Evie Collins; one devoted nephew, Granville Collins; one grand-daughter, Clara Fenwick of NY; two great-grandchildren, several adopted children, a devoted friend and caretaker, Ms. Lillian Anderson, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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Clara Whilby

January 1, 1903 - December 9, 2005