Clara O'Neal (Gillikin) Gillikin

Clara O’Neal Gillikin, 91, of Otway, passed away Thursday, May 31­, 2018 at Crystal Bluffs Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Otway Christian Church, officiated by Reverend Jack Mumford. Interment will follow at the Gillikin Family Cemetery in Otway.

Clara was born and raised in the Otway community. Early in her marriage she and her husband, Lester, part-owned and operated Gillikin’s Grocery where they were well known for their dip ice cream. Clara worked at the shirt factory for 15 years before settling in at the East Carteret High School Cafeteria where she remained for over 20 years until her retirement in 1985. Clara was a lifetime member of Otway Christian Church where she served as a teacher in Sunday School and VBS, was a choir member, was on the Board of Directors and was a member of the Women’s Christian Fellowship.

Clara was a dedicated wife and mother that excelled at being a grandmother and great-grandmother. All that met her were left with a positive impact all the way through till the end. She will be remembered for her cinnamon rolls, light rolls and delicious meals. She was a source of constant compassion and love for others.

She is survived by her daughters, Janie Gillikin Fulcher and husband, Ronnie, of Beaufort, Rosalie Gillikin Laine and husband, Elliott, of Newport News, VA; grandchildren, Carvie Allen Gillikin and partner, Karl Klingener, Jason Neal Gillikin and wife, Debbie, Kristen Laine Klecha and husband, Jacek, Laura Laine Wimbrough and husband, Russell; great-grandchildren, Hannah Kate Gillikin, Eva Claire Klecha, Jacob Laine Klecha and Emma Catherine Klecha.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lester Allen Gillikin; parents, Hezekiah and Eva Gillikin; and sister, Alta Gillikin Rose.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Otway Christian Church.

The family wishes to extend a sincere gratitude to the staff of the Crystal Bluffs for the care they showed their mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Otway Christian Church at 242 Gillikin Road, Beaufort, NC 28516.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.