Mrs. Clara Jane Ford was born on July 15, 1949, to the late Willie & Eunice Ford in Dillon, South Carolina. Clara transitioned on March 29, 2023 at Atrium Health University in Charlotte, NC. Clara attended Southside High School in Rowland, NC.  While living in Rowland she was an active member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. After graduating high school in 1967, she relocated to Charlotte, NC and became a member of Myers Tabernacle AME Zion Church where she held membership until her transition from this life.

Clara enrolled in Charlotte Business School as a young adult and began her career working for the Charlotte Post Newspaper. Clara later became employed and retired from Kraft Food Service/Alliance, after providing 25 years of continuous service.

To honor the legacy of her mother and grandmother Clara joined the Order of Eastern Star in 2020 and joined Serenity Chapter #135 under the leadership of her daughter as the Matron of the chapter. She served her chapter as a member of United National Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Freemasons of the World, Thirty Third and last Degree and Order of Eastern Star, Inc. with grace and fidelity. Clara was a true sister.

Clara was notoriously known by her family and friends as a generous giver of her time, energy, and resources. Her energy, laughter and love for life were contagious. Throughout her life, she had an exuberantly sweet and loving demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, some may even attest to a true passion for cooking, entertaining and caring for others. Clara followed in the footsteps of her beloved grandmother, the late Mrs. Martha Lee Alford and acquired an entrepreneurial spirit; she was Co-owner of R&B Lounge, Co-Owner of a convenience store, catering business, and other ventures. She was quite the fashionista; she exhibited poise and pizazz everywhere she went! You were truly graced by her presence. Her signature gift of joy showed through her bright smile and infectious laughter. The overwhelming amount of love she gave will never be forgotten.

Clara leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter Theresa Ford of Charlotte, NC. granddaughter Amber Clarice Ford of Charlotte, NC.; sister Gladys Ford (Ronnie) of Parkton, NC.; two brothers Walter Allen Alford of Rowland, NC., and John Leggette (Faye) of Fayetteville, NC. Three godchildren; Tonya Herron Oliphant (Kevin),  Summer Tenelle Brown, Brandon Reid and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family by love.