Clara Jane Ziegler

Clara Jane Ziegler, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the age of 83. Born on August 17, 1941, in Quitman, Texas, to Bruce Jenkins Lloyd and Clara Genois Day Lloyd, she was known to all by many names—Clara, Mama, Preci, Steady, Stu, Sister, Aunt Clara, and Clara Jane.

Clara graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1959, where she was an active member of the band, playing the drums, and a dedicated basketball player. On October 17, 1959, she married Jerry Wayne Ziegler, the love of her life. Jerry preceded her in death in 2006.

A lifelong Baptist, Clara was deeply involved in Forest Hill Baptist Church in Quitman, Texas. Her love for the church and her community was evident in her many roles, from church clerk and children’s Sunday School teacher to choir member and leader of singing when there was no song director. She cherished her faith and the friendships she built within the congregation.

Clara had a remarkable career that spanned several decades. She began working at the Wood County Courthouse and later served as a secretary for Petty’s Producing. In 1965, she joined her father's bookkeeping service, where she worked tirelessly for nearly 60 years, managing the business until 2022.

Her dedication to her community was also evident in her many volunteer roles. She was a trustee for the Winnsboro Independent School District from 1998 to 2018, and a charter member of the Winnsboro Civic Club. She also served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Trails Association, Smyrna Cemetery, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, and the Presbyterian Hospital. Clara was named the Winnsboro Woman of the Year and was inducted into the WISD Athletic Hall of Fame. Her devotion to her community was matched only by her love for her family and friends.

Clara was preceded in death by her siblings, Bruce Lindley Lloyd and Elizabeth Ann Lloyd McDaniel. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Jane Murdock and her husband, Jay; granddaughter, Javin Layne Murdock; sister-in-law, Juanita Ziegler; several nieces and nephews; and her lifelong best friend, Mary Tom McLemore.

Clara was a woman of integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those she loved. She lived a life full of service, kindness, and grace. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Forest Hill Baptist Church or the WISD Education Foundation.

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