CLARA INEZ JEFFRIES was born January 8, 1930 in Plainfield, New Jersey.  She was the eldest of eight children of the late Mack and Marie (Collier) Brown; and beloved wife of the late James H. Jeffries, Sr.  Clara's family moved to Philadelphia near the historic art museum where she visited daily. She attended McMichael Elementary and graduated from William Penn High School for Girls.  Clara was very intelligent and self-motivated. She was an outstanding student and classmate.  She highly valued education and planned to attend college before marrying her neighborhood sweetheart James.  Their union produced five children: Linda (deceased); James Jr., Michael, Terri and Connie.

Clara was obedient to her parents and strived to do what was expected as the eldest.  She led by example; assisting her mother in the home and nurturing her younger siblings.  She became an excellent homemaker and devoted wife.  She was a wonderful daughter and sister; caring aunt and cousin.  Clara was a beloved mother whose family's happiness was important to her.  She cherished her role of motherhood, so much so that she helped to raise her grandchildren like her own; even volunteering in the school to help them reach their potential.  Her family could depend on her for encouragement, unconditional love and spiritual guidance.

Clara was a hardworking and trusted employee.  In the 1960's she worked over 20 years for Sears & Roebuck, where she was often commended for Excellence in Customer Service.  In 1976-1980, Boston Candy Company hired Clara as their Bookkeeper, where she enjoyed working alongside her brother Albert.

Clara was spiritual-minded.  In her youth, she enjoyed bible reading and teaching children in Sunday school.  When she became a young wife and mother, she found little time for spiritual things, though she valued them.  One day, an older woman, full of energy and enthusiasm, visited her home, announced herself as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and asked if she wanted a bible study.  Clara had not heard of Jehovah's Witnesses,  but was curious.  The sister returned regularly to teach her precious bible truths and to help with the children.  Impressed with what she was learning, she started attending meetings in Overbrook Congregation.  At her first Int'l Bible Convention in New Yorks' Yankee Stadium, she witnessed the love and unity amongst the multitudes of people in attendance.  During that event, Clara was moved to say "I am convinced that these are truly God's people".  She dedicated her life to Jehovah God and was baptised on January 25, 1959.  Her faithful example aided her mother and mother-in-law to study and become Jehovah's Witnesses.  Clara was an ardent bible student who loved to teach.  She was a brilliant historian who was intrigued with bible prophecy, as she longed to see God's sovereignty vindicated.  At age 80, she became a full-time evangelizer from 2010 to 2015.

Clara was called the family gatekeeper and matriarch, the funnel which they would seek advice from.  She was a good storyteller and conversationalist.  She truly loved people and her God Jehovah.  That was proven in the many methods she used to talk about God's kingdom as the only hope for mankind.  Her neighbors were drawn to her warm smile, hospitable nature and listening ear.  Clara treated them with dignity and respect.  She was deeply loved for her sincerity, generosity and compassion.  She advocated for those with behavioral health issues and supported the weak.  She befriended those who survived the Nazi concentration camps, using these opportunities to speak about her loving God Jehovah.

She loved planning family reunions and spending time at the beach.  She loved knitting, cooking and the arts.  In her residence she taught seniors how to make infant caps to send to Africa. They enjoyed it so much,  some asked to attend family worship night.  Clara's years were well spent, planting seeds of truth, which impacted the lives of many. The little lady with a big heart will be remembered for her fighting spirit, bold and courageous ministry, and love for the truth.  Her faithful example encouraged others to see their potential and the blessing of our loving Creator, Jehovah God.

Clara passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 13, 2022.  Her memory will be cherished by her children; son-in-law Hank; brothers Albert and Donald; grandchildren Sherri, Tyree, Collyn and Jasmin; great-grands and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

Meeting ID: 814 5156 5913
Passcode: 014691