Merbia was born February 11, 1937 in Irvine, KY to Bessie and Henry Barnes. She was the baby of 5 children. Merbia attended Mapleton Elementary and Owensville High School in Mt. Sterling, KY. Shortly after graduating high school she married the love of her life, Herman Robert Clair, on August 23, 1957. They moved to Odessa immediately after their honeymoon and have been here since. Merbia took care of the home and all seven children while Herman worked in the oil fields.
Merbia was the ultimate "Mom" for all the children in the neighborhood. She was later known as grandma, Memaw and Mimi. She was an adult that children could always trust and the home was always full of love, and a bit of chaos. She will be missed everyday, and her example will continue to live through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, daughters Gail Lyon and Karen Clair.
Merbia is survived by her children, Sharon Ayars (Rick), Pamela Brown, Herman Clair Jr., Donny Clair (Julie), Kristi Clair; Grandchildren, Billy, April, John, Loran, Garrett, Kaelyn, Herman III "Trey", Maddie, Clayton, Tyler, Jordan, Merbia, Krista, Trista; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Merbia will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, 601 N Alleghaney Ave, Odessa, Texas 79761. Following the celebration of life will be a committal service at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E I-20 Business Loop, Odessa, Texas 79762.
