Minnie Gilley St. Clair, 92, of Devine,Texas, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. She was born on August 27, 1932 in Karnes County, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Caleb and Finley Gilley, her husband, Rodney St. Clair, and daughter, Rhonda Marcum.
From the time of their marriage in 1950, Minnie was a helpmate to Rodney, first and foremost. They raised 5 children and made their home in Corpus Christi. In 1980, they moved with Rodney’s job to Devine where they found lifelong friends and a new church family at First Baptist Church.
Minnie contributed to the financial needs of the family by babysitting, ‘taking in ironing’, selling Avon, working for and learning from Dr. Hanna, and being the church secretary at FBC, Devine, where she worked until her retirement. She served at church by singing in the choir, teaching children and adults, and serving as WMU director. Rodney and Minnie loved to travel in the U.S., especially to support their family by attending ball games, weddings, and special events.
Minnie is survived by her children: Craig and Debbi St. Clair of Venus, Sondra Blakelock of Carrollton, Terri and Rick Atkinson of Alvin, and Lea and James Rhame of League City; son-in-law: Mark Marcum of Natalia; sister: Linda Hartsfield of Kenedy; sister-in-law: Nella Blyler of Inverness, Florida; grandchildren: Seth and Chrystal St. Clair, T.C. St. Clair, Charla Blakelock, Whitney and Matt Persson, Trey and Amy Atkinson, Rachel and Rodgers Kahindi, Claire and Matthew Wall, Jacob and Jennifer Rhame, Meaghan Rhame and Ray Martinez, Zachary Rhame and Diana Charles, and Jenna and Josh Allred; 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the staff of Devine Health and Rehabilitation for 11 1/2 years of Minnie’s care.
Flowers are welcome, but in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Devine; Maisha Kamili (granddaughter Rachel Kahindi’s ministry: maishakamili.org); or Pioneers (granddaughter Whitney Persson’s ministry: pioneers.org)
Visitation for family and friends will be at First Baptist Church of Devine on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Karnes City Cemetery.
If you would like to express your condolences, or share a memory, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Home in Devine, Texas.