Clara Daniels

Clara Lucille Daniels, 85, of Cape Girardeau went home to Jesus Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at her son's home in Topeka, Kansas, after a long battle with cancer. Clara was born to the late Madison and Clara Johnson Daniels in Cape Girardeau Aug. 8, 1935.

She began her education at John S. Cobb School, where she played basketball. In her senior year of high school, she became the first Black student to receive a diploma from Cape Girardeau Central High School.

After graduating high school, Clara worked tirelessly for her family, first as a licensed hairdresser and housekeeper, and then returning to school to obtain her certification as a nurse's assistant. She finished her working years upon retiring from her career as a CNA at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Clara truly loved Jesus and was a lifetime member of St. James A.M.E. Church in Cape Girardeau, where she sang in the choir for decades. She served in many roles at the church throughout her life and one of her favorite positions was overseeing the annual Friends and Family Day, where she helped create memorable services for all those who came home to St. James every summer.

Clara was a longtime member of the Princess Oziel Chapter 101 Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a Past Worthy Matron and Gold Star member. She was always active in her community and volunteered at Saint Francis after her retirement. She believed strongly that everyone should exercise his right to vote and worked the polls every year she was able. Clara had a true servant's heart and shared whatever she had throughout her life. If something needed to be done or someone needed a place to stay, she was the first to offer.

Clara joins her parents; brother; Albert, sister, Virginia; and infant grandson, Joshua Charles in Heaven.

Loving survivors include sons, Herbert (Rose) Daniels of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Ronald (Julie) Daniels of Topeka, Kansas. She was a proud grandmother to Joy (Barry) Daniels-Brown and Brea Daniels of Raleigh and Caroline Daniels and Riana Daniels of Topeka; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins and countless friends.

Education was especially important to Clara and she took tremendous pride in the fact that her sons graduated from college and her grandchildren have graduated (Joy and Brea) or are currently in college (Caroline and Riana).

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. James A.M.E. Church with the Revs. Renita Green and Wallace Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to 18 Fore Life, which provides financial support in the form of love offerings to families who are battling cancer: The Ben Kruse 18 Fore Life Foundation, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841, or 18forelife.com.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.