Clara Louise Whiting

The Lord quietly called Clara Louise Pettus Whiting home to be with Him on Sunday,July 24,2011. Clara was born on January 20,1924 to Sylvia Ann and James Pettus,Sr. in Greenville,NC. She enjoyed a happy childhood,but the loss of her mother caused great sadness in August 1937. Clara was educated in the Greenville Public Schools and as a young adult moved to Raleigh,NC and worked as a domestic worker for Attorney Tyson and his family. From there.she moved to Richmond,Virginia and was employed as a cook at F.W.Woolworth's Store. On April 15,1952,Clara exchanged marriage vows with William Henry Whiting,Jr.. During the early years of marriage,they became foster parents to Edna Hubbard and later to Sylvia,Lottie,and Rosemary. On September 12,1965.Clara and Willie became parents to their own daughter,Pantheir Louise Whiting. The passing of her husband on October 7,1982 was a life changing experience for Clara. She felt her faith in God increase as she set out to keep the strength of her family alive. On July 2,1984,Clara was blessed with a granddaughter,La'Tonya Takia Whiting. Later in life,she became the proud great-grandmother to Malaysia Browder(July 25,2006) and Marlon Browder,Jr.(October 11,2007). While living in the Fulton community,Clara became a member of Madison Temple AME Zion Church,currently under the pastorate of Rev. Ronald D. Cook. She was a member of the adult choir and served as the head of the hospitality committee until her stroke in March 2006. Clara is known for her selfless giving among family members,neighbors,friends and strangers. She opened the doors of her home and heart to Mt. Calvary and Foster Creek Youth Ministries,and to a homeless person whom she often humbly provided with food. Clara will be greatly missed by all. Preceded in death by her parents,Sylvia and James Pettus,Sr.,sisters,Willie Bee Edwards and Malissa Snead;brothers:Willie Gray,James William and Arthur Pettus,Clara leaves to cherish precious memories:daughter,Rev. Pantheir Whiting;granddaughter,LaTonya Whiting;two great-grandchildren,Malaysia and Marlon Browder,Jr.;sister,Mary L. Davis of Brooklyn,NY;brother Joseph A. Pettus(Lillian) of Colorado Springs,CO;and a host of nieces,nephews,other relatives and friends.

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Clara Louise Whiting

January 20, 1924 - July 24, 2011