Mother Clara Nell Reed

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
— Matthew 25:23

A Life Rooted in Faith

Clara Nell Reed was born March 27, 1931, in Huntingdon, Tennessee, to the late O.B. and Lillian Smith. After losing her mother at an early age, Clara was lovingly raised by her father, her aunt Estelle Beal, and her grandparents, who instilled in her the values of faith, family, hard work, perseverance, and service to others.

At age 11, Clara accepted Christ, was baptized, and joined Smyrna Baptist Church, beginning a Christian journey that would span more than eight decades.

After a brief stay in Chicago, Clara moved to Cincinnati in 1948. She joined Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in 1950 and served in the choir and on the usher board. In 1972, she united with Southern Baptist Church under the late Reverend James E. Milton, beginning more than 50 years of faithful service.

At Southern Baptist, Clara taught Sunday School for 25 years, served as the first president of the Fannie L. Hardy Mission Circle, chaired the Rose of Sharon Club, and sang in the choir. In recognition of her faith, wisdom, and service, the church honored her as a Church Mother—a title she cherished and wore proudly.

Love, Family, and Service

In 1950, Clara married Virgil Rawls. Their union produced four children: Lawrence Russell, Vivian Louise, Timothy Virgil, and Gary Rawls. Virgil and their beloved son Gary preceded her in death. In 1974, Clara married Milton Reed, with whom she shared many years of companionship until his passing in 2001.

Clara worked for more than 15 years at the Kenner toy factory, where her generous spirit led her to help distribute donated toys through her church and community. She later devoted more than 15 years to caring for elderly clients as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA).

Clara loved traveling, gospel music, spending time with family, and especially cooking and baking. Her soul food, new recipes, and generous portions brought people together around her table. If you came to Grandma’s house hungry, chances were you were not leaving that way.

Mother Clara

Clara was warm, nurturing, generous, wise—and famously honest. She would encourage you, pray for you, feed you, love you, and, when necessary, tell you exactly what she thought you needed to hear.

After 95 years, she had earned that privilege.

To many, she was simply “Mother Clara.” To her family, she was their beloved Matriarch and Queen Mother—the heart of generations of family traditions, holiday gatherings, meals, laughter, lessons, and love.

Grandma’s house was more than a place. It was where family gathered and memories were made. Through her example, Clara taught a simple but enduring lesson:

Love one another. Forgive one another. Serve others. And stay connected.

She was blessed to witness her family grow across five generations.

Her Legacy Lives On

Clara leaves to cherish her memory her children, Lawrence Russell Rawls, Vivian Louise Rawls, and Timothy Virgil Rawls; her beloved older brother, J.B. Hampton; and her grandchildren, Vernon Rawls (Tracy), Tico Leichman, Rayshawn Rawls, Lashawna Wells (Phifer), Schamell Cardwell, Brandy Hayes (Antione), and Erika Guice-Standifer.

Her legacy continues through 23 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, loved ones, and her Southern Baptist Church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, O.B. and Lillian Smith; former husband, Virgil Rawls; husband, Milton Reed; and beloved son, Gary Rawls.

On September 12, 2026, at the blessed age of 95, Mother Clara peacefully completed her earthly journey at home, surrounded by the family she loved.

Her voice remains in our memories.
Her lessons live in our decisions.
Her recipes remain on our tables.
Her faith continues through generations.
And her love will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest peacefully, Mother Clara.

You fought a good fight. You finished your course. You kept the faith.

Your work is complete, but your legacy lives on.

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