Clara Mae Olson

Clara Mae Olson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Born in Pope, Mississippi, in 1945, Clara grew up surrounded by family and strong Southern values. She graduated from Batesville High School in 1963 and continued her education at Northwest Community College where she met the love of her life. On September 12, 1965, she married the love of her life, Clifford Albert Olson Jr., and together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and cherished memories.

Clara dedicated many years to serving her community, working at the Panola County Courthouse, United Southern Bank. She was well-known for her kindness, dependability, and warm smile that greeted all who knew her.

A woman of deep faith, Clara was an active and devoted member of Courtland Methodist Church. She found joy in worship, fellowship, and serving others, always demonstrating the love of Christ in her daily life.

Clara had a passion for sewing, a skill she used to create treasured gifts for family and friends. She lived in Courtland and Eureka her entire life, deeply rooted in the community she loved. Above all, she adored her family, cherishing every moment spent with them.

She leaves behind her three children, Janet (Steve) Oberheim, Cliff Olson, and Chris (Amy) Olson; six grandchildren, Kristen (Chris) Buchanan, Lauren (Reed) Stadler, Sydney (Nic) Hembree, Stephen Oberheim, Madison (Joseph) House, and Jack Olson; and four great-grandchildren, Lily, Miles, Charlotte, and Georgia.

Clara also leaves behind her four brothers, Paul Jr (Carolyn) Mills, Johnny (Connie) Mills, Robert (Joanie) Mills, and Terry (Carolyn) Mills, along with a large extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was preceded in death by the love of her life Clifford Olson her parents Paul and Clara Mills, her in-loves Clifford and Katherine Olson and her infant sister Carrall Fay Mills.

Clara’s life was a testament to love, faith, and generosity. She touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at Wells Funeral Home, Batesville, MS at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. Clara will be laid to rest next to her husband, Topper, at Forrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials can be made to Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation or St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Rest in peace, Clara. Your love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those you touched.