Clara Durand Ledbetter

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Clara Durand Ledbetter, 89, departed from this world into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Clara was born on September 17, 1936 to the late Albert and Nita (Guillory) Durand in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 1952 she met the love of her life, Harold Thomas Ledbetter, who was stationed at Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles. They married the following year, and moved to Columbia, Tennessee at the end of Harold’s service. They made their home in Columbia for nearly 50 years before Harold’s death in 2002.

Clara worked at the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, retiring from the State of Tennessee in 2007. She had a passion for crossword puzzles and reading and passed that love onto many within her family. She was deeply devoted to her beloved family and friends and a highlight was spending time with her granddaughters. She was a longtime member of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 Ladies Auxiliary and a devoted member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Columbia for 70 years.

Clara, or Nana and Granny as she is known by many, is survived by her son, Harold “Hal” Durand Ledbetter (Michelle) of Columbia; daughter Lynn Ledbetter Smith (Mike) of Decatur, Georgia; granddaughters Grace Ledbetter, Kaitlan Ledbetter, Maggie Smith and Claire Smith; sister Geraldine Quibodeaux of Houston, Texas; honorary daughter Gina Wolfe (Tony) of Columbia and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Clara was preceded in death by her brother Albert “Snooky” Durand of Lake Charles.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center, Caris Hospice and Lisa Brooks for their dedicated and gracious care and support.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Relief Services, the USO (United Service Organizations) or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.