Rev. Annie B. Hubbard

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee a ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21 A faithful servant, a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to many - such was the life and legacy of the Reverend Annie B. Hubbard. It is recorded in the record book that on November 2, 1926, in Nashville, Arkansas, Sanford E. & Hencie Smith Clardy became the proud parents of a daughter named Annie B. During her tender childhood, she gave her life to Christ and joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Gurdon, Arkansas where she served in many capacities. It was there that she learned how to be a servant to others. That’s when her life of servanthood began. Annie B. Clardy became Mrs. Annie B. Hubbard when she married the handsome and charming Oliver J. Hubbard. The Lord blessed their union with four beautiful children. She was educated in the Gurdon Public School District. After the birth of Jimmy Ray, she enrolled at Henderson State Teachers College, now Henderson State University. She received both her BSE of Science and a MSE degree in Education. In 1960, she became an employee of the Gurdon School District and taught third grade for 28 years until she retired in 1988. She also possessed an impeccable work ethic. Mrs. Hubbard was known throughout the community as a friendly woman, and a godly woman with a strong devotion to God. Her sense of style and elegance could illuminate any eye. She served on the Board of Directors of the Gurdon Housing Authority. She continued to serve faithfully in church ministries before submitting to the “Call of the Ministry,” Rev. Hubbard received her first pastoral appointment to Muldrew Chapel C.M.E. Church in Gurdon and later, she became pastor of Cothran Chapel C.M.E. Church in Prescott, Arkansas. In her 78th season, Rev. Hubbard reunited with Muldrew Chapel C.M.E. Church where she remained active and served faithfully. Rev. Hubbard taught Sunday school, and at one time served as a Stewardess; she provided transportation to church for the children in the community and mentored young ministers. Rev. Hubbard’s most notable servanthood was during the times when she ministered to the sick and shut-in, as well as to those in nursing homes. As Rev. Hubbard approached her last hours , she was surrounded by her family to bid her a safe journey awaited by the open, loving arms of her Heavenly Father. On June 5, 2008, after eighty-one seasons, Rev. Hubbard answered the call that no man can refuse. She was welcomed to her eternal home by her parents, three brothers Allen Clardy, Fletcher Clardy, and R. C. Clardy; seven sisters Dorothy Childs, Lela Charles, Betty Penny, Hessie Clardy, Pearline Clardy, Addie Clardy, and Dorcie Clardy; and her beloved husband, Oliver J. Hubbard. Rev. Hubbard leaves a legacy of love and service to her loving and caring children, Wanda Monroe and Lynda Rucker of Sherwood, AR, Brenda Foster and her husband, Douglas of Allen, Texas, and Jimmy Ray Hubbard and his wife Trudy of Crossett; one wonderful and devoted sister, Willie Jean Goza of Detroit, Michigan; her most precious joys; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, special family friend Richard Graham and a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, numerous friends, the Muldrew Chapel C.M.E. family in Gurdon, Arkansas and the Cothran Chapel C.M.E. Church family in Prescott, Arkansas. Rev. Hubbard will lie in state at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will greet friends and share with them the Images of Life DVD from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. The Worship Service of Thanksgiving to God for the life of Rev. Annie B. Hubbard will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, 504 S. 5th St., Gurdon, where Rev. Johnny C. Harris is the pastor. Rev. Quintin Radford, pastor of Kingdom Authority Outreach Ministries will preach the spoken word. Rev. Larry Ross will be the Presiding Elder and Rt. Rev. W. H. Graves serves as Presiding Bishop. Rev. James E. Wiley, III., pastor of Muldrew Chapel C.M.E. Church will officiate. The committal service and final resting place will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas. The bearers of the casket will be Michael Foster, Myron Henry, Jerome Caldwell, Micah Henderson, Linwood Johnson, Clifford Monroe, Christopher Monroe and KEndall Young. The honorary bearers of the casket will be Eudios Goza, Earnest Peoples, Richard Graham, Douglas Foster, Ronnie Lasker, Ricky Penny and Earl Brisco.