Clara Belle McCrary

Ms. Clara B. McCrary, age 100, died at her home in Tuscaloosa Saturday, June 27, 2009. Visitation will be Thursday, July 1, 2009 between 6:00 and 8:00 P.M. at Wards Funeral Home. A memorial service is set for 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church. The funeral service is set for Friday, July 3, 2009, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John Baptist Church. Interment will be in Alta Vista Cemetery.



Ms. McCrary was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. James Berry and Mrs. Clara Elizabeth McCrary; four brothers: Charles, James F., Edward Louis, and Robert McCrary; niece: Beulah Mae Jenkins; and nephew: Robert McCrary.



She is survived by her nephew, his wife, and their children who have provided oversight and care throughout the years: James and Mattie McCrary; Cathy Kimbro, Lorraine (Samuel) Shields, Debora (David) Shirley, Yvette Prim: and Tony (Terrie) McCrary; Nieces and Nephews: Mary Catherine (Jimmy) Bryson and Flora J. McCrary, Gainesville; Dianne Smith, Jimmy (Georgia) McCrary, and LaDawn Brooks, Atlanta; Benjamin (Henrietta) McCrary, Savannah; Sister.in-Law: Rosa McCrary; Special and Longtime Caregivers who had become family: Parrfene Prewitt, Tonya Patton, Bettie Patton, and Brazil Thompson; Goddaughter: Cortess Hughey; a special and devoted friend: Sarah Davis; and a host of great nieces, nephews, and friends.



Ms. McCrary was born in Gainesville, Georgia, and attended the Gainesville City and Northwestern schools. A career educator and librarian, she was a graduate of Clark College and Atlanta University and engaged in postgraduate studies at the University of Georgia, The Universities of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Howard University, Ball State University, Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Jackson State University, and the University of South Alabama.



Following a long and distinguished career in the classroom and in library service in the Hall County/Gainesville area, Ms. McCrary, in 1970, embarked on a second career in student services at Stillman College. She was greatly involved in the life and development of the College and its faculty, staff, and students. Her legacy of love and service will be forever remembered and cherished by everyone who had the wonderful opportunity of knowing her.



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