Clara O'Nell Floyd

Clara O'nell Floyd, age 88 of White Plains, Maryland THE LIFE AND LEGACYOF CLARA FLOYD Clara Floyd (she/her) was a fierce advocate, wife, mother, and grandmother who committed her life to advancing education for the good of the world. Born Clara O'nell Brown to Myrtle Lee Long and Thomas Brown Sr. on November 6,1936, she began her life long journey as an student and educator. As a nine year old child growing up in Jim Crow Newberry, South Carolina, Mrs.Floyd worked as a housekeeper to support her parents and younger siblings. She worked her way to Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina with a full scholarship. During her time at Allen, she was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and in the Summer of 1957 she became the secretary for legendary activist and educator Séptima Clark, working on various grassroots initiatives and coordinating the legacy of the civil rights movement. In May of 1958, Mrs. Floyd obtained a Bachelors of Science in Business Education from Allen University and became the secretary for Nix Elementary school in Orangeburg, SC. In 1960, she moved to Illinois where she taught 3rd graders full time in Chicago and Evanston. While living in Evanston, Mrs. Floyd earned a Master of Education and a Reading Specialist certificate from the National College of Education. In her time outside of teaching, she was an active member in her community. She religiously worked the polls and encouraged young people to get out and vote to make their voice heard. Additionally, Mrs. Floyd always enjoyed visiting with friends and family. In the hot summer of 1976, Mrs. Floyd and her family moved to Bethesda, Maryland where she taught 5th and sixth grade. Outside of school, she became a fierce advocate for educators in the state as a member of the Maryland State Educators Association. She served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Association until her retirement in 2012. Her work was always remembered by the hearts she touched. Mrs. Floyd is preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Lee Long, father, Thomas Brown, Sr. and her brother, Thomas Brown, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jeremiah Floyd, sister, Ida Mae Green (James), daughter, Jerri (Samuel), son, Edgar(Tara), and grandchildren, Celina, Crystal, Andrea, Allyson, and Kayla. She is also survived by loved nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues. Her Viewing will be at 10:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Saturday, June 21, 2025, Calvary Gospel Church, 11150 Berry Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20603. Interment, Saturday, June 28, 2025, Mt. Olive AME Church Cemetery, 2763 Riser Road, Kinards, South Carolina 29355