Clare Kirby Caldwell Hood

Clare Kirby Caldwell Hood was born September 2, 1932 in Ft. Smith Arkansas to Charles David Caldwell and Lady Boots Kirby Caldwell. She peacefully passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mooringsport, Louisiana, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

Mrs. Hood is survived by her son F. Q. Hood, Jr. and daughter-in-law Sheri Lynn Hood, daughter Honey Hood Martin, daughter Stacy Hood Weber and son-in-law Reverend Doctor Robert Weber, grandchildren Melissa Chumbley Fisher and husband Josh Fisher, and Dr. Mandy Chumbley Crow and husband Kelley Crow, step-grandchildren Josh Martin and wife Shannon, Hallie Martin, Leigh Martin, Lacy Chaffin, Brittani Warren and husband Josh, Brooke Broadway, and Jonathon Weber. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Mary Clare and Elizabeth Quinn Fisher, Aaden and Caroline Quinn Crow, Avery, Ellie and Addie Martin, Mia Halbert, and Lily Warren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Hood was preceded in death by her beloved husband, F.Q. Hood, Sr., parents, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, and in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Hood, sister Lady Stacy, son-in-law Jason Chumbley, and son-in-law John Martin.

Clare “Kirby” Caldwell was raised in Rodessa and Vivian, Louisiana where she developed a love for people and music. She began dating Furniss while they were in school together at Vivian High School in 1946 where he was football captain and she was a cheerleader. They dated for four years before they were married in 1950 and began 71 years of peaceful marriage. Mrs. Hood attended LSU where she was the first female drummer in the LSU Tiger Marching Band and voted “Most Talented Freshman.” Mrs. Hood was known for her musicality and generosity- you could be sure to hear her singing, playing the piano, and baking a pound cake for anyone in need of uplifted spirits. Mr. and Mrs. Hood raised their three children in Blanchard and Mooringsport, Louisiana where she was a substitute mail carrier, worked diligently to support her husband in his duties as Justice of the Peace and an officer in the OCAW Union, attended church at Mooringsport Methodist Church and instilled the importance of Christ’s love, music, and education into Q., Honey B., and Stacy. While she was regretfully unable to finish her college degree, one of her greatest accomplishments was helping her children earn seven degrees collectively. After laying down her life to raise her children, Mrs. Hood played a pivotal role in her grandchildren’s lives while also finding a place at Mooringsport Elementary where she spent many happy days substitute teaching.

Furniss and Kirby were known for dancing the jitterbug, tirelessly working and tending to their five acres they called home for 59 years, and enjoying hours of quiet moments together on their porch soaking in the amazing beauty of Caddo Lake, sharing meals and memories of a life well lived. They spent many years skiing on Caddo Lake, attending football games, graduations, music recitals, and band performances, and drove together many miles following their grandchildren, Melissa and Mandy, to whatever adventures were happening at that moment. There was never a time when Mrs. Hood did not make sure she had homemade fried chicken, cookies, and a pound cake along for the adventure. One of her favorite hobbies was having her family over for dinner where she spent many hours preparing food, opened the evening with her favorite scripture and words for her family, and enjoyed hours of fellowship with them afterward. During her later years, Mrs. Hood made sure she was at as many activities for her great-grandchildren as possible and always made sure to have snacks and Dr. Pepper waiting for their weekly visits. Her favorite day was Wednesday when she was able to listen to her children Honey B. and Q. play music together. Mrs. Hood’s 92 years of life are a testament to faith, family, and loving others and a legacy her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will strive to uphold.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Ms. Candy Watts, Mrs. Patty Linder, and Willis Knighton Hospice for their exceptional care at the end of Mrs. Hood’s life. They would also like to thank Lucie Grove for her unwavering care as a nurse, healer, and lifelong friend.

Psalms 34: 1-3 (LB) I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. Amen.