Clara B (Stovall) Stephen

Clara B. Stovall Stephen, a beacon of love, strength, and faith, was born on August 29, 1923, in Haleburg, Alabama, as the eighth of eleven children to the late Eddie Stovall and Annie Dawson.  

After completing her education, Clara “crossed the creek” to marry the late John Lee Stephen of Shorterville, Alabama. Together, they raised five children: Marie Stephen Harris (Al, deceased), Robert Stephen (Joyce), Charles Stephen (Oneida), Edna Stephen Stewart, and Mandiro Stephen (deceased).  

Clara's journey took her from Newark, N.J., where she supported her family with tireless determination, to Alabama, with interim years in Raleigh, N.C., and other parts of New Jersey. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, she helped many relatives establish new beginnings in Newark while raising her children as a single parent.  

A woman of profound faith, Clara was an active member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She served as a Deaconess and participated in the Eastern Star organization, exemplifying her dedication to her faith and community.  

Clara worked at C.R. Bard Pharmaceuticals, where she contributed to producing surgical and hospital equipment. Upon retirement, she traveled extensively with her daughters, exploring New Orleans, Paris, Mexico, Canada, and the western United States on a church-organized bus tour.  

Always deeply connected to her roots, Clara frequently returned to Haleburg to visit loved ones. Her spirited independence was evident as she drove until age 92, relinquishing her keys only when she felt it was time. In her later years, Clara lived at the Henry County Care Facility, where she formed many meaningful friendships with residents and staff alike.  

Clara was known for her wise counsel, culinary expertise, and her knack for keeping everyone around her busy and purposeful. She cherished her relationships with her six sisters, her brothers, and her extended Stovall family. Her love for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren was boundless, extending across generations and distances.  

Clara leaves to cherish her memory:  Marie Stephen Harris (Al, deceased) of Abbeville, Alabama; Robert Stephen (Joyce) of Maplewood, New Jersey; Charles Stephen (Oneida) of Abbeville, Alabama; Edna Stewart of Abbeville, Alabama; and Glenda Stephen (Mandiro, deceased) of Summit, New Jersey. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.  

Clara lived her life well, embodying faith, love, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew and loved her. 

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