Clara Brown

COLUMBIA — Clara O'nell Floyd 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 and Thomas Brown Sr. on November 6,1936, 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 on June 3, 1959; she married Dr. Jeremiah Floyd and moved to Illinois where she taught full time in Chicago and Evanston. While living in Evanston, Mrs. Floyd earned a Master of Education from the National College of Education. In 1976, Mrs. Floyd and her family moved to Bethesda, Maryland and made it their home. She served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Maryland State Educators 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 Brown, father, Thomas Brown, Sr. and her brother, Thomas Brown, Jr.

Her legacy and love will be remembered by her husband of 66 years Dr. Jeremiah Floyd; daughter, Jerri Camille (Samuel) Simmons; son Edgar (Tara) Floyd, grandchildren: Celina, Crystal, Andrea, Allyson, and Kayla; a sister Ida Mae ( James) Green; brothers in law: John Floyd, Joseph (Mildred) Floyd and Dr. Michael (Monica) Floyd; along with many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.

The Services for Mrs. Clara Brown Floyd were held Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Calvary Gospel Church 11150 Berry Road Waldorf, Maryland 20603.

Graveside Service were at 11 a.m. - Saturday, June 28 at Mt. Olive AME Church Cemetery, 2763 Riser Road Kinards, South Carolina 29355