Clara Martener Ephriam

Ms. Clara Martener (Bynum) Ephriam, age 77 of Goldston, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Friday, June 28, 2024.
THE OBITUARY
Clara Bynum Ephriam passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family. Clara Martener Bynum Ephriam was born on February 27, 1947, and was the second of four Children born to Lonnie and Ida Bynum of Goldston, North Carolina.
Clara attended and graduated from J.S. Waters School in May 1965. Immediately after high school Clara enrolled at Fayetteville State University and four years later graduated with a B.S in Elementary Education in May 1969. Shortly after her graduation, Clara moved to Martinsville, Virginia and accepted a position as a first-grade teacher. While a resident in Martinsville, Clara attended the University of Virgina at Martinsville and received a Masters Degree in Education. Clara returned to Goldston North Carolina where she gained employment at Jonesboro Elementary School as a first-grade teacher, later worked at Broadway Elementary where she became Assistant Principal after years of service, Clara was promoted to Principal of the Broadway School. Clara served in the school education system for a total of 42 years before retiring. Clara's tenacity for excellence in the school system earned her numerous awards and special recognition. She loved the students, teachers and staff she supervised. The school and staff were recognized for their Academic achievements guided by Clara's excellence in leadership.
Clara loved the Lord and was a hearer and doer of the Word, demonstrated through her professional work, charitable giving and her involvement in a variety of community and private organizations.
Clara loved her church, Roberts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and did serve in many leadership roles, Sunday School teacher, President of Board of Christian Education, spearheaded and served on the Scholarship Committee for the church, helped in crafting a plan to offer scholarships to high school graduates accepted into colleges and universities and retaining a good GPA. Clara served on various leadership Boards and positions in the Deep River Congress. She was currently serving as President of the Board Leadership Selection Committee for Officers chosen to serve in various leadership positions in the Congress.
Clara was currently serving as Worthy Matron of Morning Star Chapter #594 order of the Eastern Star and had been a faithful member of the organization for years.
Clara was a member of the G. Wesley Allen Assembly #42 order of the Golden Circle. During her tenure with them she assisted in making innovative changes and assisting in increasing the membership.
Clara was an active member of the Fayetteville state Alumni Association. Clara served on the Chatham County Planning Board for 2 years. She assisted the board in weeding out ineffective practices and regulations that stifled the county's growth.
Clara was a motivator, champion for the underserved living upon us. A forever teacher and motivator. Clara loved to travel with family and friends and was partial to traveling to countries with great beaches.
Clara leaves to cherish her awesome life, her family, her sister, Rev Dr Sandra Bynum Ellison, brother in law, Jimmy Ellison of Katy Texas, brother, Larry Bernel Bynum of Goldston, nephew, Dr. Corbet K. Ellison and wife Johanna Trees Ellison, Esq. of Houston Texas, niece, Melissa Ellison, Katy, Texas, great nephew Josiah Ellison, Katy Texas, great niece, (her name sake) Madigan Clara Ellison, Houston, Texas, and her adorable German Shepherd Max. She had many friends and admirers.
We take great delight in remembering the gift of God in the person of Clara Bynum Ephriam. May her life forever serve as a witness to the love and grace of God that is lavished upon all those who yield their lives in service to God and humanity.
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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC