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Clara West Harris

Clara Harris Obituary

HARRIS Clara West, daughter of the late Wilmer and Marguerite English West, was born Oct 12, 1939 in Nicholasville, KY. Clara loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age at the First Baptist Church in Danville, KY. She was a long-time, loyal member of the First African Baptist Church in Lexington, KY, where she was a member of the choir and served as President. She was also a member of the Hazel Green Missionary Society. She particularly loved singing with the Martin Luther King Choir. Clara graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Ashland, KY, in 1957 and received her bachelor's degree from Kentucky State University in 1963. She was a math teacher with the Fayette County Schools until her retirement in 1994. As President of the Lexington Chapter of the Kentucky State University Alumni Association, the membership was substantially increased. She enjoyed being in the Elite Social Club for many years and was an avid bridge player. Her many hobbies included sewing, embroidery, crafts, travel, etc. She was married to Robert M. Harris, who preceded her in death. She is survived by one son, Charles West; one daughter, Robin (Bolaji) Ogbulu; and three grandchildren, Bolaji Michael Ogbulu, Joi Ogbulu and Isaiah Ogbulu. She also leaves to mourn her five siblings, Stella Whitlow, Ashland, KY; Wilmetta Coates, Baltimore, MD; Paula Johnson, Lexington, KY; Wilmer (Theresa) West, Indianapolis, IN; and Marguerite West, Lexington, KY; several nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Homegoing service will be Thu Oct 4. Visitation 4-7pm, funeral immediately following. Arrangements by Smith & Smith Funeral Home.

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Sep. 30, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Clara Harris

22 Entries

Marguerite West

October 11, 2007

I just want to thank everyone who called, sent cards, food and other acts of kindness during my big sister's illness and homegoing. I remember right after Clara returned home from her first hospitalization, just she and I were at her house and she told me she had a dream the night before. She said she dreamed she "was at her funeral and there were so many people there ... just so many people". She was surprised that so many people loved her. I take comfort in that during this difficult time because I believe that was the Lord's way of letting her know how much she is and was loved. I'll miss her terribly but I know she and my parents are now singing in the celestial choir! I love you Clara and the Lord sure blessed me with a wonderful sister (if only for a little while)!!

Terri Burns

October 8, 2007

I am so glad that Clara was my aunt. My Aunt Clara was a wonderful woman. She was caring and concerned about people. She was beyond generous with her time, talent(singing and sewing), her love, and her money. She was always doing something for someone else. She worked extremely hard for others and lead a full and very active life. Her presents at KSU Homecoming will be sorely missed. This was her favorite time of the year because it was a time to get reconnected to old friends. Clara had many, many friends. That was evident by the cards,letters, flowers,phone calls,visits,acts of kinds,food, and the number of people at her homegoing. Thank you all for being her friend. The hole that has been left in my heart and the rest of our family is so painful right now. However,I do know that through God's merciful grace and comfort we will be okay. Please be there for her children(Robin and Chuck) because Clara was very protective of them. Call them and let them know that you love them and are praying for them. Continue to lift up our entire family in prayer as we go through our season of grief.

Andrea Johnson and Kevin Woodson

October 4, 2007

Robin,
Our prayers are with you and your family. Just know that God is in control and will give you peace, and allow her memories to bring you comfort.
Love you,

Angelia Johnson

October 3, 2007

West Family know that I am with you in love and Spirit.

Auntie Clara, I will miss you, but know that you are in a better place, doing what you love to do "SING". I am blessed to be a part of your family and am grateful for all of the love and support you showed me over the years. PJ and Andrea also love and will miss you.

Sharon Spotts

October 3, 2007

Margarite & Family,

God knows your loss.
Lay your burdens in His hands, for He is strong.
Rest your head on His shoulders, for He is compassionate.
Give to Him your pain and sorrow, for He is love.

Praying that His love will comfort you in your time of sorrow.

George & Sharon Spotts

Robin Ogbulu

October 2, 2007

I wll miss you but I know that you are absent in the body but present with the Lord.

Joi, Isaiah, Bolaji Ogbulu

October 2, 2007

We miss you Granny but we know you are in a better place. You were nice and we will never forget you.

Paula Johnson

October 2, 2007

The family of Clara Harris wish to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all of the support, love and care given to Clara during her illness. We would especially like to thank Clara's church family, particularly the Hazel Green Missionary Society, and the First African Mass Choir. Thanks and appreciation are also extended to her other families, namely the Elite Club family, the KSU Alumni Association family and the Elegant Ladies family. Clara was so blessed to have so many wonderful friends! Words cannot adequately express our gratitude. May God bless all of you always and keep you safe.

Steven & Jan'a Prater

October 2, 2007

Robin & Family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

LINDA CAREY

October 2, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Deborah Kennedy

October 2, 2007

Hi Charles,
I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Although I have not met her, but I can tell from what a fine young man you are, that she was a remarkable woman. I Pray that God shines his love and comfort you and your family in this time of sadness. If you need me, I am here.

Anna Brown

October 2, 2007

To the family of Clara Harris, may God embrace you with the love that only He can give to minister to your souls in your time of need.
I to sung with Ms. Clara in the Martin Luther King Choir and found her to be a very pleasant person, who first loved God, Family and then KSU.
I will continue to keep your family in prayer.

Diatra Allen

October 2, 2007

I can still see her standing in the front of the class over 20 years ago teaching 5th grade math. She not only taught me the lesson but most importantly how to be a better person. She is a remarkable woman and will always have a special place in my heart. We are all praying for all those who knew and loved her during this difficult time.

Tim Mowery

October 1, 2007

I regret that I am out of town all of this week and will not be able to convey my condolences in person. I have many happy memories of the years I worked with Clara at Southern Jr.High (now Middle School). She was always very pleasant and easy to be around. Her quick smile was a constant. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joyce and Willis Via

October 1, 2007

We are very sorry to hear about Clara's death. She will be missed in our Alumni Association. She was one of the first persons we would see upon arriving at the KSU Alumni House. She was my(Joyce)classmate and we had a lovely time at our 40th Reunion in 2003. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May the love of God continue to strengthen you.

Valinda Livingston

October 1, 2007

Working with Clara in singing groups and the Lexington Alumni chapter was very enjoyable. My prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to the family.

Tammye Mitchell Coles & Loretta Mitchell

October 1, 2007

Robin -- We were so very sorry to learn of the death of your mother. Your mother and my mother were college roommates at Kentucky State. She will be sadly missed by my mother as well as myself. We will keep you in our prayers. Please extend our prayers to your entire family.

Tammye Mitchell-Coles & Loretta Mitchell

Kevin Cooke

October 1, 2007

The KSU Family has surely lost one of its strongest supporters and she will be missed. My prayers to the family.

Lacy L Rice Jr

October 1, 2007

The Alumni Association lost a terrific leader and friend. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Clara and got to know and work with her. She will definitely be missed.

Sabrena Kelly-Lewis, KSU Alumna

September 30, 2007

Robin & Family,

You are in my prayers. May God keep you strong during your time of bereavement. She was a special person and will be missed.

Gregory Woolfolk

September 30, 2007

Chuck and Robin,
I send my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Gregory Woolfolk

Freida Rogers

September 30, 2007

My prayers are with the fsmily. I pray that you will experience the peace of God like never before. I enjoyed singing with Clara in the Martin Luther King Choir. May the love of God keep you.

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