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Clara Mae Stanley - Class of 1977

Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 17/Mar/2022
97.101.167.73

    Clara Mae Stanley, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2022. Clara was born on August 23, 1959 in Newburgh, N.Y. to Henry E. Stanley and Mae O. Stanley. She attended and graduated Newburgh Free Academy in 1977. Clara studied and received her Associates Degree of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating, she accepted a culinary position at I.B.M. in East Fishkill, N.Y. While working she continued her love for the culinary arts and started a catering service, Le Chef Catering Services with her beloved Uncle William D. Stanley. After working at I.B.M. in East Fishkill for a few years, in 1990 she was promoted to Logistics Manager of the Supply Chain Division at I.B.M. in Greensboro, N.C. Clara fell in love with her new city and community and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Inc. of Greensboro, N.C where she actively served on the Small Church Fellowship Group and the Gatekeepers Parking Lot Ministry. Clara served as an Assistant Troop Leader for the Mt. Zion Baptist, Greensboro, N.C. Church Girl Scouts Troop 227.

Throughout her life, Clara was well known by her family and friends, for her kindness, faith, compassion, empathy, friendship, independence, giving and passion for cooking, baking and ongoing humor. Clara, was well known for her delicious meals and desserts and would make her family and friends favorite dishes or desserts as a token of her great love for them. She was well known for her vivid storytelling and family history. Clara always loved to travel, especially cruises to the Caribbean Islands with her family and friends. Clara was deeply devoted to her family throughout her entire life. She loved being a mother figure to her nieces and nephews and would go to great lengths to support their dreams and talents. Clara enjoyed sports, and loved of music and movies of all genres.

Clara was preceded in death by her father Henry E. Stanley (2016) and her sister, Anita Stanley (2011) of Newburgh, N.Y., Her grandparents, Johnnie and Claretta Smith Nobles, Henry B. and Catherine Stanley, Annie Lee Stanley, her uncles and aunts Naomi (Ulysses) Grimes, Harvey James Nobles, Geraldine (Jerry) Hosley, Robert (Ruby) & (Irene) Stanley, Calvin (Maxine) Stanley, James (Helen) & (Swannie Bell) Stanley, Ruby Mae Stanley, Rufus Stanley, Robert Lee (Mona) Green and Virginia Drake.

She is survived by and leaves to cherish her beautiful memories her devoted and loving mother, Mae O. Stanley of Newburgh, N.Y., her brother, Larry D. Stanley, Newburgh, N.Y. and sisters, Zelphia K. Simon (Lionel Simon), Newport News, VA and Sandra E. Stanley, Richmond, VA; her loving and devoted nieces and nephews, Jolene Simon, LaToya Reed, Dr. Andrea Evans (Terrell Evans), Travis Ashford, Andre Simon (Desiree Simon), great niece, Trinity Evans, surviving uncles and aunts, Johnny (Carolyn) Nobles, Durham, N.C., Harold Nobles, Durham, N.C., William D. Stanley (Bernice), Charlotte, N.C., Richard Stanley (Sadie), Newburgh, N.Y., Faye Stanley, McCleansville, N.C., Godparents, Otis and Irene Dees, Campbell Hall, N.Y., host of cousins, her adopted family, the Poole’s of Mebane, N.C. and her dear cousin Mildred Miller and dear friend Pat Lassiter, Beacon, N.Y.

Her life is a celebration of the love, humor, faith and family. Clara's dedication of putting her family and friends needs before her own will never be forgotten. Clara will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. The beacon of light she brought to her family will always shine bright.

A special thank you to Uncle Richard and Aunt Sadie Stanley for their love and support when called upon in her time of need throughout the years. Thank you to the staff of Westchester Medical Center, Pulmonary Unit, of Westchester, N.Y., Dr. Greg Lanier and Dr. Ahmad B. Hadid of Westchester Medical Center, and Dr. Thomas Reed, Pulmonologist in New Windsor, N.Y. for your dedication and commitment to caring for our beloved Clara.

Ms. Stanley will have a visitation 10-11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 76 First Street, Newburgh, N.Y. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Dr. Bruce Davis will officiate. Interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, N.Y. Professional services entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home, 259 Walsh Ave., New Windsor, NY. Committed To Being The Very Best� Call us anytime 845-569-1233.