Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 10:53 am

Gilda Lee Montgomery Clarke, age 81, of Rockvale, passed away on January 26, 2010 at NHC National Health Care. She was a native of Macon County but lived most of her life in Rutherford County. She was a former employee of JC Penny’s from 1963-1971 as a Sales Clerk. She was a member of Windrow Church of Christ.

Gilda was preceded in death by her parents, Joe L. Montgomery and Leona Davis Montgomery; husband, Leonard G. Clarke of 42 years; and brothers, Willard, Charles and Jimmy Montgomery. She is survived by her daughters, Patti Clarke (Odell) Grissom of Atlanta, Diana Clarke (Jackie) Bowman of Murfreesboro and Debbie Clarke (Robby) Adkins of Murfreesboro; brothers, Comas (Shirley) Montgomery of Murfreesboro and Ray (Loudelia) Montgomery of Nashville; sister, Louise (Wendell) Smithson of Murfreesboro; six grandchildren, David and Scotty Hughes, Mike, Eric, Jake and Deanna Tarpley; 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Gilda will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in the Mausoleum with Bro. Frank Neal and Bro. Billy Cole officiating. Grandsons will serve as active pallbearers.

Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, 820 S. Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. (615) 893-2422 www.jenningsandayers.com