Clara Jean (Hill) Moncrief

With sincere compassion, we respectfully announce the transition of Minister Clara J. Hill Moncrief.  A native of Elmore, AL, and resident of Meridian, MS, Minister Moncrief transitioned on Monday, August 30th, 2021. She was 77.  Public Visitation will be held Saturday, September 11th, 2021 from 10AM to 11AM, from the McComb Honorary Chapel of Jackson Professional Funeral Services. A Funeral Service Celebrating the life of Mrs. Moncrief to follow at 11AM.  Minister Reginald Hill is the officiant.  In compliance with government recommendations and J.P.F.S. public safety standards, individuals attending the public visitation, and funeral service, are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while inside the facility. Committal & Interment will take place at Jones Cemetery in Millbrook, AL.

      When we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and become a part of the Christian community, we should not fear death but rejoice and be confident like the Apostle Paul who wrote, "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV).   Clara Jean "Bey Bey" Hill-Moncrief began her spiritual and eternal journey of faith and confidence in the Lord when she departed her earthly life untimely on August 30, 2021.  As the third born child of the late John H. Hill, Sr. and Lucy M. Maxey-Hill, Clara began her earthly sojourn in Elmore, AL, on May 22, 1944.  She accepted Christ at an early age at Jones Chapel AME Zion Church in Elmore, AL and the Church of God in Prattville, AL. Her devout worship and religious convictions held steadfast throughout her life as she fellowshipped at a variety of religious denominations, but eventually, she joined and worshipped faithfully at Straight Gate International Church in Detroit, MI, where she lived  and worked for approximately 35 years.

     Her early education began in earnest at the rustic Sweetening Elementary/Junior High School, in Elmore, AL.  From this feeder school, students matriculated in the neighboring Sandtown High School in  Millbrook, AL.  Clara was a member of the graduating class of 1962. Shortly after graduation, she enlisted in the United States Air Force; unfortunately, due to health issues, this was a short tenure. Notwithstanding, while searching for her niche/purpose in life and while traveling and  working in various odd jobs in the Health-Care System, Clara eventually decided to pursue nursing, becoming a License Practical Nurse. Subsequently, she enrolled in Detroit, MI's Highland  Park Collage where she earned an Associate Degree in  Nursing. Shortly thereafter, she completed her undergraduate and post-graduate programs/criteria at Central Michigan University, earning a  Bachelor of Science in Nursing and attaining a Master Degree in Nursing/Administration.  Clara diligently worked  for approximately 30 years as a Nursing Administrator respectively at the City of Detroit Hospital and Michigan Northville Psychiatric Institute until her retirement.  After retiring and enjoying a short life of leisure and relaxation, Clara and her husband, John, decided to  relocate back to the south. Settling in Meridian, MS., Clara re-energized and recommitted her efforts by  becoming actively involved in  community volunteer work, participating in church activities and the ministry at Old Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Lawrence, MS,  accepting various speaking engagements, canvassing in political campaigns, and occupying other endeavors to pass and fill the time.  She wrote and successfully  published a heartfelt testimonial book in 2019, entitled Phenomenon of a Phenomenal. This writing experience became her impetus to publish other genres, such as her memoir and creative musical hymns on which she was excitedly working until she was called home.

     Clara leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memories and legacy: a loving husband, John Moncrief, Meridian, MS; one dedicated and devoted only son, Jamar Gibson, Detroit, MI; four precious grandchildren: Jada Gibson and Avere' Forman of Atlanta, GA, Sanaa Phillips and Skyler Jae Gibson, Detroit, MI; two great-grandchildren: August and Dream; four loving sisters: Lucy Annette Cobb (Robert) and Lillie M. Ferrell (William) Montgomery, AL, Colonel Johnnie M. Carter of Detroit, MI, and Minister Annie L. Smith (Dr. Andre) San Antonio, TX;  two loving brothers: John H. Hill, Jr. (Patricia) Tallahassee, FL and Christopher "Cris" A. Hill (Mona) Elmore, AL; one special nephew, Min. Reginald Hill (Carolyn) of Montgomery, AL, and a host of  nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.  Lastly, a special acknowledgement is made of the following longstanding, loyal, and close friends: high school classmate, Carrie Zeiger, Elmore, AL, Lovolia Morgan, Gloria Washington, Margret Mack, and Alberta Trimble, all of Detroit, MI. God's love and blessing to you all, as I am gone home to rest!!  

Clara is preceded in death by her parents John H. Hill, Sr. and Lucy M. Maxey-Hill, one sister, Minister Dorthy B. Hill-Daye, and brother-in-law, Earl Carter.

Jackson Professional Funeral Services is grateful to the family of Minister Moncrief for entrusting our caring and dedicated professional staff with the final arrangements of their loved one.  We solicit your continued, sincere support and prayers for the family as they navigate through this experience.

Thank You,

JPFS

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