Cleva Rae McBride

November 3, 1926 – March 16, 2025

Cleva Wedding McBride, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 3, 1926, in a small farmhouse in Sulphur Springs, Kentucky, to Roscoe C. and Minnie I. (Daniels) Wedding, Cleva lived a life filled with love, kindness, and quiet strength.

Cleva’s life was a testament to resilience and grace. As a young woman, she worked in a light bulb factory during World War II and remembered the haunting sound of the sirens that announced the storming of Normandy Beach on D-Day. She experienced the world changing around her — from taking her first airplane trip at the age of 62 to finding herself stranded in Greece during the September 11 attacks — yet she met each moment with calm and strength.

She had a deep love for flower gardening, finding peace and joy among her blooms. Cleva also enjoyed the company of good friends over games of bridge, attending plays and productions, and always getting lost in the pages of a good book. She was also an avid Braves baseball fan, rarely missing a game on TV unless it was a season when they changed to a network she didn’t get on her cable TV and she would let you know about it! She had a special fondness for red birds, hummingbirds, and bunnies — gifts featuring any of these would light up her face with joy.

Cleva was known for her warmth and compassion. Her family and friends knew they could always count on her for gentle guidance, a listening ear, and a comforting presence. Her kindness touched the lives of many, and her legacy of love and understanding will carry on through those who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Bruce McBride. Cleva is survived by her daughter Linda Rae (Danny) Knapp, her son David (Sandy) McBride, daughter Cheryl Robinson (late Harold); five grandchildren- Alan Knapp, Brian Knapp, Kelly Osborne, Josh (Katie) Robinson and Chad Robinson; 6 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild who will cherish her memory and the love she shared.

Cleva’s life was a beautiful example of how to live with grace and generosity. While she will be deeply missed, the love and wisdom she gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her.

Visitation will be held 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24; followed by service at 2:00 p.m. A private graveside service for family only will be immediately following with burial at Mt. Olivet cemetery.