Clara Neale McBride

Clara Neale McBride passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was born November 16, 1922, in Vancleave, Mississippi. After graduating from Vancleave High School, Ms. McBride was employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, as an office worker. She later began the study of nurses’ training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. She left her pursuit of a nursing degree and became a dental assistant at Keesler Field. While assisting various dentists at Keesler, she met her future husband, Capt. John J. McBride. Dr. and Mrs. McBride were married January 31, 1945, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi. Upon his discharge from military service, the couple moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Dr. McBride opened his dental practice. She assisted her husband in his dental practice throughout his career. The McBrides enjoyed world travel during these years. Ms. McBride treasured the works of art she collected from various countries. Because she had shown talent as a self-taught artist, her husband encouraged her to receive art instruction in Chicago. After the death of her husband, she returned to Mississippi and resided in Ocean Springs for 22 years. She continued the study of art and became an accomplished painter, producing beautiful works of both still lifes and landscapes. Her works are cherished and displayed in the homes of three generations of family. Ms. McBride was very supportive of both the arts and her faith. She was a charter member of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and a member of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. She was a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Anders and Lessie Olivia Tootle; sister, Ivan Roberts; and brothers, George Tootle and Archie Tootle. Survivors include her sister, Cleo Tootle Taylor of Ocean Springs; brother, Harvey Tootle of Port St. Joe, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. Private entombment will be in Glenwood, Illinois. She will be entombed in a crypt beside her late husband at Assumption Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 502 Jackson Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564; The Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530; or the charity of one’s choice. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.