Mrs. Clara Gibby Defoor, age 79, of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Mrs. Defoor was born on April 11, 1947, in Cherokee, North Carolina, to the late Wayne Tom Gibby and Marvie Hicks Gibby. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of Harvest Missionary Church and found great joy in serving the Lord and sharing His word with others.

Clara dedicated many years of her life to caring for those in need as a home health nurse aide, a role that reflected her compassionate and giving spirit. She had a heart full of love for her family and friends and cherished every moment spent with them. Known for her lively nature, she was always ready for an adventure and never turned down an opportunity to spend time with the people she loved.

Above all, Clara's greatest joy was her faith and her family. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Otis "Dent" Defoor; daughters, Carlene Totherow, Darlene Falls, and Melissa Southers; grandsons, Timmy Ray Derreberry, Justin Morrow, and Ricky Gilbert; brothers, Billy Gibby and Richard Gibby.

Clara is survived by her daughters, Patricia Ann Kendall and Karen Renee Morrow; her sisters, Betty Jane Gibby, Winnie Faye Chaplin, Annie Jean Randall, Mary Ellis McCoy, and Hazel Lou Stroud. 8 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 15th at 3 pm from Harvest Missionary Church with Rev. Paul Vallejos. Music will be provided by Harvest Missionary Church Choir. Interment will follow in the Yukon Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Jeremy Curlee, Kevin Teague, Shane Derreberry, Tyler Blalock, Jered Curlee, and Matthew Overton.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 15th from 12 noon until 3 pm at Harvest Missionary Church. No visitation at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.