Clara Mae Cureton Chambers, affectionately known as “Granny Clara”, was born in Sumter, to the late Henry and Lucille Dicks Cureton on October 10, 1930. She was reared by the late Stephen and Sara Bradford after the death of her parents. She departed this life on May 5, 2019 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter. Clara attended Sumter and Lee County Public Schools and graduated from Dennis High School in 1949. She matriculated at Morris College receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1952. She completed post graduate studies at the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State College. She retired after twenty years as a teacher from the Lee County Board of Education. Her passion in life was instilling in her children, grandchildren and students the importance of an education to succeed in life. Clara met the love of her life and “Kind Friend,” Cleveland Chambers while he was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter. They were united in holy matrimony on July 25, 1950. Cleveland, whom admired her dearly, always professed his love for her by stating to others: “You see that woman over there, Clara, I Love That Woman.” God blessed this union with the birth of six children, Yolanda, Cleveland Jr., Qundal, Alvin, Vanessa and LaTrelle. Clara gave her life to Christ at Emmanuel United Methodist Church at the age of thirteen and lifted Him up as source of her strength. She served faithfully as a member for seventy-five years. She was a member of the United Methodist Woman, sang in the Combined Choir and worked in Emmanuel’s Soup Kitchen, fulfilling a passion and motto, “If I Can Help Somebody As I Pass Along, If I Could Cheer Somebody With a Word or Song, If I Show Somebody He Is Traveling Wrong, Then My Living Shall Not Be in Vain.” On November 22, 1985, she was initiated into the Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was a devoted member. She was also affiliated with The Veterans of Foreign War Post 10813 Auxiliary. In her leisure time, Clara enjoyed being in the company of her children, grandchildren and siblings sharing family lineage and traditions. Her favorite pastime was reading her favorite two books, “The Bible” and “I’ll Love You Forever” to all her grand and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking collard greens, homemade dressing, baking sweet potato pies and red velvet cake for family and friends. Clara is survived by: her daughters, Yolanda Debra Wilson, Sumter, Qundal (Gregory) Gray, Marietta, GA, Vanessa (Donald) Ellington, Upper Marlboro, MD and LaTrelle (James) Chambers, Sumter; a son, Alvin Chambers Sumter; eight grandchildren, Calaundra (Michael) Razor, Clarissa (John) Williams, Jr., TSgt Craig Smart, Cleveland (Donesha) Chambers III, LaQuanya Chambers, Garrett Gray, Gabrielle Gray and Amber McFadden; eight great grandchildren, Christian Razor, Mikayla Razor, Kadence Brown, Jaylyn Williams, Baileigh Chambers, Cassidy Williams, Kali Brown and Adrianna Chambers; three siblings, Nevetta Ferguson, Sara Walker and Agnes (Alfred) Spencer and a host of adopted children reared in the home, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that will always cherish her loving memories. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Cleveland Chambers Sr., son, Cleveland Chambers, Jr.; great grandson, John L. Williams III; brother, Jimmie Cureton; nephew, Reginald Cureton; brother in-law, William Ferguson, and sister in-laws, Martha Cureton and Dorothy Meadows-Levy. The family will receive relatives and friends at the home of her daughter, Debra Wilson, 3335 Kim Street, Dalzell. Wake services, visitation with members of the family and Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Omega Omega Services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2019 from 6 to 7 p. m. in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, 821 North Main Street, Sumter. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 11 a. m. from the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 421 South Main Street, Sumter, with the Rev. Marvin L. Stewart, Pastor, Eulogist, and Elder Doris Bright, officiating. The Remains will be placed in the church at 10 a. m. for viewing until time of services. The funeral processional will leave the home of her daughter at 10:20 a. m. The Remains of Mrs. Chambers will be laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park, 3001 Cain’s Mill Road, Sumter.
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