Clara Luper Obituary

Clara Luper, a civil rights pioneer whose lunch counter sit-ins helped end discrimination in public restaurants, has died. She was 88.

Published by Oklahoman from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Clara Luper

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509 Entries

Valenda Newell

July 10, 2016

There has always been and will always be a need for equality. Miss Luper knew that was a problem and fought to make changes. True Change can only be accomplished through Gods Kingdom as mentioned at Matthew 6:10 " Let your Kingdom come let your will take place, as in heaven, also on the earth."

September 2, 2015

she was an amazing woman. When I was high school junior at John Marshall, she OPENED MY EYES with her classes and when she put on a play about MLK. She was a phenomenal woman!

brian robinson

April 8, 2015

smd

March 30, 2014

For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones (Hebrews 6:10). Clara will never be forgotten for all the work she did for her community and especially those ones in her care and historic directions. May God continue to strengthen your family in these “times hard to deal with” (2Tim 3:1), especially without a beloved one such as Clara Luper.

Robert

December 17, 2013

To the family of Clara Luper- May I offer my condolences at Ms.Luper's passing. She was a woman of strength, conviction and integrity! The world is a better place because Clara lived and cared. She now rests in the arms of Jesus! There a NO racial boundaries in heaven, so REST IN PEACE, Clara Luper RIP

Charlotte Hendrickson

August 16, 2013

MOTHER,I MISS YOU SOOO MUCH,BUT AS TIME GO ON I SMILE,I'LL TAKE WHAT YOU TAUGH ME AND TEACH ANOTHER.AS SOLANGE WOULD SAY"YOU ARE LUCKY, YOU CAN SEE MICHAEL JACKSON EVERYDAY..

ELIZABETH

September 16, 2012

A legend have left.But her good works will follow her.We will miss you.

September 16, 2012

Ms. Luper was one of my 8th grade teachers at Taft Jr. High in Oklahoma City. I must say, she was very disciplined & kind, but some of us students weren't always so nice & I'm sorry for that. I will always have fond memories of that class. Because I not only have now, lost an icon teacher, but my best friend in that class also has passed on. Remembering you in fondness. May God Bless you, wherever you are Ms Luper!

Shirley Hale

March 8, 2012

Ms. Luper, you were very inspirational to me. You are dearly missed. Michelle Franklin.

March 7, 2012

Ms. Luper, you were very inspirational to me. You are dearly missed.

March 7, 2012

Thank you for your awesome catfish and Clara Luper lemonaide all the years at the Great state fair of Oklahoma. I miss you
OK Tickets office Becky

July 25, 2011

Aunt Clara, we will never be able to express the depth of our appreciation to you - the "Mother of the Sit-in Movement in America." You are significantly responsible for my success today as a lawyer. Thank you and rest in peace. Your nephew,

Calvin Davis

July 4, 2011

thanks for your inspiration,support, nd loving kindness. kelvin drake (

July 2, 2011

I love you you will be missed.....

Sheri Smitn Davis

June 26, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Doris Dickerson

June 26, 2011

We salute a person who really made a difference in our lives, as we moved into a new era of nonviolence.

Dr. Earnestine Shaw

June 24, 2011

I was in Mrs. Luper's Black History class at John Marshall High School in the mid 70's. She was very encouraging. She said always be prepared, have "your pencil and paper and be ready to take on the challenge". Oh yes, I will never forget the Ms. Sweetheart Contest. Rest in Peace Mrs. Luper

Sharon Maxwell

June 21, 2011

My condolences to the Luper family. Mrs. Luper was a teacher at Dunjee High School when I first met her. She inspired us not with just words, but, with action. I will never forget Mrs. Luper, she was a strong women who fought for civil rights in OKC. She marched with Martin Luther King, she had no fear. Thank you, Mrs. Luper for your courage, I stand on your shoulders. Rest in peace.

Toya Campbell Pryor

June 21, 2011

Mrs.Luper you meant so much 2 me more than you or any1 else can ever imagine you taught me so many things and i cherish all the time we had from church,2 the pageants,and the NAACP...you were/are truely loved by many...may God keep and Bless all your friends and family...Muah from lips 2 your cheeks up n Heaven

L Doakes

June 20, 2011

may God keep all of the family. We losy a icon

BOBBIE GRIFFIN

June 20, 2011

I was so sorry to hear that Counsin Clara had passed. I was watching the Roland Martin news show and was so pround of the accurate and positive tribute he made to her. If they ever did an episode of "Unsung" for civil rights leaders. She would be the star. She has inspired my life and life choices. Beverly Roberson Jackson

Beverly Roberson-Jackson

June 20, 2011

THANK YOU MS. LUPER FOR WALKING THE WALK & YOUR COURAGE.YOUR LIGHT CONTINUES TO SHINE & WILL FOREVER.

DONALD EDWARDS JR.

June 19, 2011

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) To the Luper Family, this words describe your mother so well,a wonder women who loved everyone. She is wearing a crown of glory and I feel honored to have not only meet her but been a part of the NACCP family with her. She will be greatly missed. May God Keep you all in his comfort and love

Angelnette Clanton

June 18, 2011

RIP

Daniela Dailey

June 18, 2011

Clara Luper was one of the most amazing teachers i had the oppurtunity to study under during my years at Roscoe Dunjee High School (spencer oklahoma)I learned so much from her but the thing i remember most is she forced me to take the lead role as Walter in Lorraine Hainsberry play (A Raisin in the Sun)that oppurtunity gave me the corner stone of my foundation for public speaking that i still stand on today god bless you Clara Luper ,Rev Robert L Williams and the entire Williams family of Oklahoma City,Oklahoma

Robert Williams

June 18, 2011

Clara Luper was my history teacher at John Marshall High School as well as my uncle Attorney Joseph Hills Teacher and friend to our family for decades saying goodbye to such an amazing person is never easy. My prayers go out to her family and friends alike who loved her so. R.I.P.

Lonzetta Lewis

June 18, 2011

Still have wonderful memories of meeting Clara years ago. She was quite a character and very passionate about civil rights. Thanks to her for making a positive change in so many lives. She will be missed.

Dan Vogel

June 18, 2011

To Clara, family and friends,
I heard from a friend what a great teacher you were. I learned through observing what a great leader you were. I know that you fought a fight against not only hate and intolerance; but, maybe worse, ignorance and indifference. That ignorance and indifference was not always evidence of non-thinking or uncaring persons, but people who had too much on their plates to stop and realize there was something that demanded their attention. Some of us were late to the fight for whatever reasons, but because of you and the young people of the NAACP and others like you, there was a battle for us to join. We all, no matter our color, live in a better world because of you and the others you inspired.
I regret not being able to make it to the Rotunda or to the service Friday at the Civic Center. That was my loss.
You will be missed, but always remembered.

Coleen Woody

June 18, 2011

Ms. Luper. Thanks for your encouraging remarks to me in 1973. I was the first Black Band Director to head an All White High School Band. Okmulgee Oklahoma. Went on and had eight great years.It was an honor to know Ms. Clara Luper. John Samples, Tyler, Texas by way of Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

June 18, 2011

What a wonderful Lady! She truly inspired me to furthur my education and to be a voice for what i stood for.

Teresa Graves

June 17, 2011

I was a student of Mrs.Luper at John Marshall and it was the most interesting history class, she ran it like congress! i was the Sec. of Labor. She also convinced me to join NAACP my junior and senior year and introduced me to Ms. Black OKC in 1989 and i ran and was first runner up.She will be greatly missed!

Teresa Graves

June 17, 2011

Like Martin, Rosa and so many others, gone but not forgotten. I/we owe a debt of gratitude, we cannot pay. Mrs Luper, Thank You for your many sacrifices in caring for a race of people called the human race. I remember your smile, your encouraging words when I was a student at OCU. Gone, but could never be forgotten.

I. Lee Newton

June 17, 2011

Oh Ms. Luper,
I had you only one year at John Marshall H.S. but that one year was enough to change my life. After you asked to me to stand up and asked for my "F" for today for not turning in my homework was the best thing that anyone has ever done for me. That day you made me a responsible learner and my education has never been the same. Your tough love disciplined me and opened my eyes. For that I Love and Thank You Always.
To the Family, even though you miss and grieve her, her life is a celebration. Because it's not how you come in the world that matters but how you leave it. And she left the world in a better place. You all are so blessed to have a strong moral trailblazer that a few of us ever experience. For she is a legend. She has firmly etched her handprints in the times, leaving a legacy for all times.
God Bless this family and be with them through this difficult time.
And God Bless us all and let us not forget. For we all are God's children and deserve equal treatment. That's what her message was about.

Felicia Williams-Hayes

June 17, 2011

To the family Of Mrs. Clara Luper, Mrs Luper was a dedicated worker for the human race. She left a beautiful legacy and will always be remembered. My prayers are with the family.

Chloe Oliver

June 17, 2011

Her efforts made this a better place for all.

Ivana Thomas

June 17, 2011

YOU HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.
FROM DUNJEE HIGH SCHOOL TO THE SIT IN'S. I AM DEEPLY HONORED FOR HAVING BEEN EXPOSED TO YOUR GENTLE, CARING FEARLESSNESS. YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR PRAYERS.

Stanley C. Smith

June 17, 2011

As an Oklahoman, I am proud to be a resident of the same state Ms. Luper called home. What she accomplished was not easy, I'm sure, but her efforts made this a better place for all.

Jill Adler

June 17, 2011

To the Clara Luper family
Thank you for fighting to end segregation in the public eating places in Oklahoma City, working with the young women to was willing to run for Miss Black Oklahoma, teaching young adults how to have confidence in themselves. It was an honor to meet Ms Clara Luper through my Aunt, Mrs. Emma McCarver. Aunt Emma use to tell me how Clara Luper fought to end segregation in Oklahoma. I later became old enough to listen to the Clara Luper radio shows on a weekly basis as I got older. The weekly shows helped me to know what was going on in the Oklahoma City community and people was being treated. I've also enjoyed the catfish dinners and Marilyn's Gumbo. I would like to say, thanks for leaving a great impact in my life. I will also like to say to the Luper family may God continue to keep your family strong for many years to come.

Cheyenne Gipson

June 17, 2011

To the family of Mrs. Luper:
I grew up hearing about Mrs. Luper and remember all the things she did for her community as I got older. Oklahoma has lost a outstanding citizen and educator.
With deepest sympathy,
Raylene Colbert

Raylene Colbert

June 17, 2011

Mrs. Clara, Thank you for all you have done. Rest in Peace and God Bless you. Your struggles and hard work were not done in vain. Your name will live on.

T. Edwards

June 17, 2011

ms. luper, thank you for being the driving force for oklahomans when we needed you. you will never be forgotten.

thelma irby

June 17, 2011

I am very glad I met you and was able to hear your inspirational and encouraging words for positive change. I pray peace and comfort for the family and friends.

Deborah Summers

June 17, 2011

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED HERE, IT WAS A LONG ROAD BUT THERE IS NO GENTLER PERSON HERE THAN CLARA TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT SHE HAS. I'VE ALWAYS ADMIRED YOU. THANK YOU. WE WILL CARRY ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

T WILLIAMS

June 17, 2011

I would have liked to have been able too walk just one mile in your shoes .

Elisa Taylor

June 17, 2011

you will be greatly missed.
i admired you so for being
that voice & and asking the question we needed answe












you will be truly missed you were what made us proud as a people of color
may god bless your family


the question we all wanted to ask

elisa taylor

June 17, 2011

GOD BLESS YOU Ms. Luper and thank you for all that you've done! Your life was one well spent!! You helped pave the way for so many of us, you will be missed!! Chyna (Oklahoma city, OK)

Chyna

June 17, 2011

To The Luper Family,
I did not personally know Mrs Clara, but each time that I was in her present I love to see her smile, and that beautiful head of silver hair, I had an awesome respect for her. My prayer is that God will give His grace and comfort to you her family

Respectfully, Rev. Roy T. Sampson, Killeen, Texas

June 16, 2011

Thanks for all the great things you did to hope and we will keep the work you started going.

Kenneth Davidson

June 16, 2011

I ADMIRE MS.CLARA LUPER FOR BEING THE WOMAN THAT SHE WERE.SHE WAS A WOMAN OF COURAGE, HOPE AND DREAMS.SHE BELIEVED THAT ALL SHOULD BE TREATED EQUAL.I THANK GOD FOR HER. SHE WILL TRULY BE MISSED. GOD BLESS THE LUPER FAMILY.

JACQUELINE BRADY

June 16, 2011

Ms. Luper is a giant who has exuded great courage in helping to achieve the advances that we now cherish in our society. One can only imagine what courage it must have taken for her to do the things that she did under the circumstances that she was confronted with. Many knew her better than I but I did get to know her and can say without question she was one of the greatest and most dedicated persons to justice that I have encountered. She was always positive but serious and engaged. I hope history properly records her efforts and gives her the rightful place she deserves. I want to thank her family for unselfishly permitting her to do things for so many other people. That is why the NAACP units in Region VI have sought to set the record straight so that she might be given her proper place in history. Thank you Ms. Luper for all that you have done and may God bless you in your transition and take care of your loving family.

Gary Bledsoe

June 16, 2011

Ms. Luper, thank you for standing up for what you believed in. You made a difference in the lives of so many and made the world a better place. We should all strive to do the same. God Bless You and may He bring comfort to your beautiful family during this time.

Melisa Wright

June 16, 2011

thank-you and God Bless you and your family you were a becon of hope and a guideing light for Others to follow. You always be in my heart and prayers.

David Cowen

June 16, 2011

Ms Luper I admire and adoar You for what you stood for may god bless and keep you in his loving arm for eternaly.

Ronald Lee

June 16, 2011

LaShell Currie

June 16, 2011

Praying for you and your family. Just went through this on November 1, 2010 at 7:59 p.m. Your mom will never be forgotten as she lives through you and your family.

Barbara Roberts

June 16, 2011

Thank you Ms Luper, Calvin, Marilyn for
your support in my daughter winning the Miss Black Oklahoma City beauty pageant when she was attending OU,
and the scholarship award that went with that success. She continued on to graduate with a BS degree and now have her Masters degree from Georgia State University in Business Management and is the Senior Manager for Global Delivery with BellSouth in Atlanta Georgia. You advised me and encourage
me to never let her give up on anything she started worthwhile. I thank you along with Marilyn and Calvin for doing all that you have done for african americans in okla city in obtaining our civil rights.
As God would probably say when you get to paradise "Job well done my good and faithful servant".

Beverly Smith Kuykendoll

June 16, 2011

Thank you Ms. Luper for your hard work and for making Oklahoma City a better place for us.

Glenda Bennett

June 16, 2011

May God bless your family because you had a good long life

DONNA TAYLOR

June 16, 2011

RIP CLARA LUPER YOU MAY BE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!! U WHERE AN AMAZING WOMAN WHO STOOD DURING THE MOST RUFFEST OF TIMES FOR BLACKS...

MARKEISHIA GRANT

June 16, 2011

On behalf of the Dallas Branch NAACP #6169, we honor your legacy and is forever thankful for what you have done to"LIGHT THE WAY FOR CIVIL RIGHTS". Thanks to your family for sharing you.

Juanita Wallace

June 16, 2011

Thank You for making my life and the life of my chiildren and the world a better place to live in "May God Rest Your Soul"

Luwanda Byrd, Wewoka, Ok

Luwanda Byrd

June 16, 2011

I was priviledged to know Ms. Luper for over 50 years. I am very proud of being a small part of the NAAACP sit-ins at age 7 and also making the trip at age 12 to Washington D.C with the Ms. Luper and the buses from Okla. City in 1963. Thanks Calvin, Marilyn and Chelle for sharing your Mother with the world. She will be truly missed. Gwen Irons McNeely & Family

Gwen Irons McNeely

June 16, 2011

Thank you for your struggles, your diligence and pursuit to make the city of Oklahoma and the world abroad a better place to live. You have been a true Drummajor for Justice and Equality!

Joseph Smith

June 16, 2011

THE PORT ARTHUR BRANCH SENDS THERE PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE LUPER FAMILY.

June 16, 2011

Thank You for making MY Life Better !

Anthony (Tony) Wadkins

June 16, 2011

God Bless this Family! Mrs. Luper taught the world how to fight for our God given rights! We must continue to uphold the values that she Loved! Her Strong Spirit will guide Us! Praying Your Strength.

Carolyn Scantlebury

June 16, 2011

Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Thank you for being the shoulders upon which we stand.

The San Antonio Youth Council

June 16, 2011

To the family of Mrs. Clara Luper, You have our deepest sympathy and we will continue to keep your family in our prayers.

Marvinette Smith

June 16, 2011

Phenomenal Woman, that was Clara Luper . To the family, My deepest condolences in your time of grief. Keep her legacy going for the next generation of freedom fighters.

Coretta Graham,

June 15, 2011

Thank You for making our Life Better! We Love You!

From The Hart Family

John Hart

June 15, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the family of Clara Luper. May God keep you in His grace and may she be remembered forever.

Winston Warner Secretary Waxahachie Branch

Winston Warner

June 15, 2011

Growing up on the Northeast side of Oklahoma City...I fondly recall listening to the Clara Luper radio show with my mother. I have been inspired, educated and empowered by her. Many prayers to her family during this time. May God be with you today and always.

Tracie Buckner-Harper

June 15, 2011

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Ms. Luper was a giant in the civil rights movement and we should continualy share her legacy with our family, friends, and community. I will miss (and never forget) my friend, Soror, and fellow freedom fighter.

Ora Washington

June 15, 2011

Extraordinary woman! My whole life and level of community comittment was shaped by the contributions of Mrs. Luper.
I am a classmate of Marilyn and Calvin and my youngest brother
was a student of hers. I last saw her at one of the beauty pagaents
that I attended with my niece. God be with you Marilyn!
Sheila Ray

Sheila Ray

June 15, 2011

The Jackson Parish Branch NAACP of the Louisiana NAACP State Conference sends its condolences to the family of Mrs. Clara Luper. Although we only met once, we knew of her great works for civil rights and we are grateful to have had a "woman of courage" to step up and stand for the rights of people.

Windy Calahan

June 15, 2011

The Galveston Branch of the NAACP sends its heartfelt condolences to the Luper Family and the community that will miss her dearly. Her courage, commitment, and pioneering spirit will be remembered forever.

David Miller

June 15, 2011

Soror Chelle:

Your mother was an extraordinary human being! Your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Soror Cheryle Edmonds

June 15, 2011

Thank you Mrs Luper. You will be forever remembered in our hearts an souls. You taught us what it meant to be young, gifted and black. We will never forget you or what you stood for. Thank you RIP.

Janette Whitlow-Fleming

June 15, 2011

The first knowledge I had of Clara Luper was of her as a hero of my mother’s. My mother, in her own small way, was also a civil rights activist. I don’t think she would have called it that-but it was. When we lived in Louisiana, when I was a little girl, my mother insisted on paying everyone who did any work for us at the going rate for whites. She also tried to insist that they sit at table with us-it was they who refused, from justified fear, and had to explain to my mama why you ‘just don’t do that.’ Later, when my daddy’s work brought us to an all-white small town in Oklahoma, we made monthly trips to the City (OKC) for staples, fabric, and clothing.



When I was about 12, the youth sit-ins led by Ms. Luper started at Katz and we honored them. A little later, when they protested separate water fountains and restrooms at John A Brown’s, mama’s favorite department store, we had to go to a different store to go to the restroom and get a drink. She would fuss at THAT store about their equally unequal amenities. Needless to say, this left an indelible imprint on a young girl who found herself vocally taking on her classmates, in small town Oklahoma, who had very different opinions about the sit-ins generally and about Ms. Luper in particular.



Later, when I became involved in politics and ran for office, it was my pleasure and honor to be on the same speaker list with Ms. Luper several times. We got to know one another through that connection as we visited a little before and after the event. I loved listening to her-she was always fiery and dead-on. I heard her tell a story several times that went something like this: “It used to bother me when people called me an ‘agitator.’ It was a criticism that really stung, until one day I was looking in my washing machine and I realized nothing gets clean without the agitator stirring things up.’ And so she did ‘stir things up’ in many challenging and wonderful ways.



She taught three of my children Civics at John Marshall High School. Each of them would tell you she was one of their best teachers and helped her students, not only learn history, but learn how to think independently about history. When Jesse Jackson visited John Marshall, she chose my son for the honor of introducing Jackson because of my son’s lively participation in her class.



But the finest moment I shared with Ms. Luper was when I, along with her, was a speaker, at a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., event, held inside the State Capitol rotunda. I took my mother to the event and, in my talk, I spoke of our collective roots, black and white, in the civil rights movement. I shared a little about how it looked from the perspective of those who are not black but who want to stand in solidarity and support; how we are appalled by what we do know and humbled by what we who do not experience this prejudice firsthand will never know. I talked about my roots in my mother’s unflinching commitment to equality in her own life. After the event, I had the great honor of introducing my mother, at long last, to this amazing woman who was her hero. Ms. Luper was so gracious to her and mama was positively glowing!



Ms. Clara Luper, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, took stands on other issues which are still controversial. When a historical black church refused to let the ML King parade start on its grounds because of the presence of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus in the parade, Ms. Luper led a march to the steps of the church and, in her inimitable style, berated the church and sat on the steps until the police arrived and then dared arrest on behalf of the freedom of others.



Her book, Behold the Walls, is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes description of her earlier contributions and the beginnings of her long leadership in the freedom fight for our country’s heart and conscience. I can only hope, that among her writings, at the end of this long life, is the sequel. It, too, would be a tribute to a giant. As with all who pass, we say ‘rest in peace, dear one.’ And I do pray peace for her with all my heart-certainly she deserves it. But for Ms. Clara I would add, ’may the memory of your spirit forever bolster our courage and enliven our willingness to speak the truth for freedom and justice.’

Donna Compton

June 15, 2011

Mrs. Luper was my Math teacher at Dunjee High School. I'll never forget that math sheet w/100 problems, that we had to complete in 1 minute or get a hit from her paddle for every one we missed. After numerous tries and licks, I thought I'd finally finished that sheet. Mrs. Luper was so excited for me but when she checked it, I had missed an entire row. I think she cried for me as she gave me those "light" 10 swats. I never forgot those math facts. Mrs. Luper taught us to give a speech without all the "uhs", for every time you said "uh", she'd hit you. Some of our radio announcers could use some of those lessons. To the "now" generation who think paddling should be outlawed and is cruel punishment, I learned every lesson she taught me with that paddle and it did not kill me. Mrs. Luper taught all seven of my brothers and sisters, either Math, but mostly History, we are all doing well and never been in jail. I remember going to one of the "sit-ins" at Katz's, or Greens or John A. Brown, as she "sat-in" at all those counters in downtown. I was about 11 or 12 yrs old, I was so afraid that on that particular day they would decide to serve us and I did not have a dime. I thought I'm going to jail.(lol) Thank you Mrs. Luper. Thank you Calvin and Marilyn for sharing your mom with the world for she put in so many hours working on these sit'ins and getting so many threats that Im sure effected you all too. Without her brave stand, we would still be going through the back door or riding at the back of the bus. She was Oklahomas Martin Luther King.
Marilyn Garrison, Dunjee Elementary/High School graduate, Jones-Spencer-Green Pasters-New Chance, Oklahoma

Marilyn Garrison

June 15, 2011

God Bless the Luper Family

June 14, 2011

Chelle, our condolences go out to you and the family. We will miss Mother Luper, but she will never be forgotten.
We pray that our Heavenly Father will strengthen you with his JOY, cover you with his PEACE and comfort you with his LOVE!
If ever you need anything, we are just a phone call away. We Love You!!
Uncle Kelvin "Ralph", Danielle and the Williams Family

June 14, 2011

Her history test she gave to her pageant contestants is something I still use in my classroom today. I appreciate her for being a continuous reminder of the importance of understanding the responsibility of being black american. We have an amazing history and it is up to us to preserve it and continue to work for justice for all.

Rachel Goff Belmon

June 14, 2011

I'am sad that mother Luper,has died.She will be missed.My family would like to send condolences to her family. Also that for all she done within every effort for my sons for such large icon to make possiabilites for all. Thanks! and God Bless1

mischelle mcdonald

June 14, 2011

My prayer goes out to the Luper family... She was a GIANT here on earth and will be even a bigger GIANT up in Heaven...

Ralph Williams & Family

June 14, 2011

Soror Chelle and family, My sincere condolences to you and your family.May you all find comfort as you reflect on the beauty of a life so well spent. Love, Soror Jane Andrews

Jane Andrews

June 14, 2011

WE HAVE LOST AN ICON

BOBBIE GRIFFIN

June 14, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Luper family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)

June 14, 2011

Chelle and Family,
You are in my prayers. God will sustain you during your grief over the loss of your mother. May god wrap his blessing around you.

Deralyn Riles Davis

June 13, 2011

My prayers go out to the the Luper family.You were a warrior for every one.God has taken a great flower.I know you will be a leader in heaven.james Brown , Mcalester

JAMES BROWN

June 13, 2011

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE CLARA LUPER FAMILY. IT WAS TRUELY A BLESSING TO KNOW HER. SHE TOLD ME TO NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO DETERMINE ME. I ENJOYED TALKING WITH HER...PEOPLE SEE YOUR GLORY BUT THEY DON'T KNOW YOUR STORY.... THANK YOU MRS.LUPER FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE I'M TRUELY GRATEFUL

LATONNIA WOODS

June 13, 2011

Mrs. Luper we all stand in your shadow. We took spit, water balloons, namea calling but through it all, the job got done. You never stopped making it right for all in OKC. Be at rest be at peace. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered. I had much fun staying the night at your house after a sit in. We'll have much fun again on the other side. To God be the Glory and you are his Morning Glory.

El Centro Coffey Jr.

June 13, 2011

RIP Mrs. Luper. Condolences to the family. She was truly a remarkable woman
Anne Peck

June 13, 2011

Clara Luper had a profound, if indirect, impact on my life. I was 12 and entering 7th grade when the OKC public schools were in turmoil over a desegregation battle in the late 1960s. I’m ashamed now to admit that most of the families at my school (the old Luther Burbank at 63rd and Independence) were on the "white flight" side of things, and I wanted to go to Taft Jr. High with my friends, which the desegregation order would stop. Several families from my school joined an anti-desegregation rally at Northwest Classen, where Mrs. Luper was lecturing that day. I remember seeing her in the window of an upstairs classroom, going on with her class as though the rally were not going on below. "She teaches black history," someone in the crowd said, suggesting that she should be stopped. Somehow, hearing that comment while seeing this woman continue her class raised my awareness. As a white child growing up in 1960s Oklahoma City, I didn't know what "black history" was, or that history could have more than one view (remember I was 12), but at that moment, I wished I were old enough to go up there and be in her classroom—although of course I couldn’t say that. In that small way, in that very confusing time to grow up, she was my teacher, too. I always wanted to thank her, and hope that by writing this, I am doing so.

Jane Marcellus

June 13, 2011

Mother,from my heart I give these words to you:Warm summer sun shine kindly here,warm southern winds blow softly here green side above lie light, lie light,sleep well Mother good night

Benito Bowie Sr

June 13, 2011

Mother,Wear your Crown

Liz Bowie

June 13, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the Luper family. Mrs. Luper was indeed the most inspirational high school teachers I had at John Marshall H.S. in the early 1980's. She brought history alive in a way that no one else could while teaching each of us to care for our fellow brothers and sisters. May her memory inspire the next generation.

Marla Harrington

June 13, 2011

I was blessed to make Mrs. Luper's acquaintance when I was Miss Black America 1986 and was asked to appear at the Miss Black Oklahoma Pageant! There is where her beautiful light was shining! What a memorable time I shared with her, listening to all the knowledge and advise she shared with me! I and the world are better because of her life and legacy! Condolences to you, family, and thanks for sharing your precious mother with America! She is a true American hero!

Rachel Oliver-Cobbin

June 13, 2011

Marqhita Roberts Lovelace

June 13, 2011

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