Clara Belle Lockhart

With a spirit as lovely as the name she bore, Clara Belle Mersing Lockhart departed this life on February 5, 2025, after a brief illness, at Dennett Rehab Center in Oakland. Born January 3, 1935, in Crellin, MD, Clara navigated the journey of her 90 years with grace, resilience, and an unwavering faith that deeply influenced all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with her.

She was preceded in death by a cherished circle of loved ones, including her parents, Clyde and Dorothy Johnson Mersing, her beloved husband Freddie L. Lockhart, Sr.; daughter, Deborah Lynn Lockhart; her sons, Tony Curtis Lockhart and Gregory Lee Lockhart; siblings, Stanley, Clyde, Ervin and John Mersing; Peggy Kelly, Joann Anderson; grandson, Nick Lockhart Gwiazdowsky and great granddaughter, Bailynn Daisey Mae Kirk.

Her memory is held dear by her children Freddie L. (Sherryl) Lockhart, Jr., of Eugene, OR, Cheryl Lockhart (Mark Gwiazdowsky) of Oakland, MD, and Michele (Barry) Kirk of Terra Alta. Her siblings Don (Leanna) Mersing of Woodbridge, VA, Charlie (Janice) Mersing of Terra Alta, Carolyn (Hansel) Gibson of Bruceton Mills, Kay (Cecil) Royce of Terra Alta, and sister-in-law Irene Mersing of Oakland, MD. Clara leaves a thriving lineage of inspiration in her grandchildren – Ben, Joe, Jake, Mallory, Zoey, Nicia, William, Izabelle, Brandon, Holly, David, Jonathan – and her great-grandchildren, Natalie, Makenna, Trey, Clara, Anna, Emma, James and Samuel, whose lives are forever touched by her loving presence.

A proud alumna of Terra Alta High School, Clara's professional life illustrated a determined work ethic and dedication. Her career journey saw her engaging with the community as a bank teller at First National Bank, after which she served the Town of Terra Alta. In the spirit of perpetual service, even after retirement, Clara answered the call to return to work for a time, ensuring a seamless transition as she trained others to carry on the important tasks of community service.

The tapestry of Clara's life was interwoven with abiding faith and an unshakeable purpose to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She found beauty in places overlooked by others and reveled in the bliss of her family's company. With a heart that embodied the purest form of giving, Clara was a beacon of care to her younger brother John, enriching his life with compassion and dignity. To comprehend the magnitude of Clara's benevolence, one only has to know the grace she carried through life's most heart-rending challenges.

Throughout picturesque Terra Alta summers, Clara's joy blossomed alongside the beautiful flowers she tenderly nurtured in her garden beds. Her hands, though delicate, were mighty - both in the soil and in the hearts she touched.

Clara Belle Mersing Lockhart's journey was not merely one of years and dates. It was a narrative of tenderness, shared through her ceaseless devotion to family, faith, and the countless lives graced by her existence. Her story, a testament to the beauty of a well-lived life, continues to echo with the love and the strength that she exemplified every day.

The family will receive friends at Hillcrest Chapel, Terra Alta, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11 AM until the time of funeral services at noon. Interment will follow at the Terra Alta Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home. www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Clara to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.