Clara Z. Beasley

A Life Well Lived A Time to Be Born Clara Zenobia Anderson Beasley was born on July 10, 1924 in Harlem, New York to the late John and Beatrice Anderson. She was the oldest of three children. A Time to Plant Clara accepted Christ at an early age at Trinity Baptist Church. She later joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, was a Deaconess and later became a Mother of the Church. Clara received her education in the New York City Public School System and graduated from George Washington High School. She worked for Hearst Publications for a number of years before her employment as a keypunch operator with the City of New York. She retired as a civil servant with the City of New York after 25 years of service. She also worked with her husband in their dry-cleaning business in Harlem for over 30 years. She was a world traveler visiting many countries in Europe, the Caribbean and South America. She also wrote poetry and stories. After retirement, she spent many summers with her grandsons exploring sites in New York City. A Time to Love Clara married the love of her life, James Edward Beasley on October 5, 1952. And to this union they were blessed with one daughter, Dawn Lenore. A Time of Change After the death of James, Clara moved to be with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren to Georgia at age 75. She purchased her own house in Lithonia, Georgia and lived independently until age 89. Health challenges moved her residence to Christian City Assisted Living Facility and at the time of her death, she was a resident of Governor’s Glen Assisted Living Facility. She enrolled in many adult learning classes including a computer class so that she could communicate with her grandchildren. In a city where most people drive cars, Clara never learned how to drive but navigated the Marta Public Transportation System everywhere. Clara joined Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1999 where she became an active member of the Sunday School, the Golden Eagles and the Mothers Board ministries. Clara also was very active in the Reaching Out to Senior Adults (ROSA) organization. She served as a Caring Caller where she offered encouragement and support to the caregivers of homebound seniors. She was also a member of the ROSA 90 Plus Club. A Time to Mourn Mother Beasley went home to be with the Lord on Valentines Day. She leaves to mourn her loving daughter, Dawn and son-in-law, Ron Washington; step-son Leon Hammonds; grandsons Ron Washington (Tracey) of San Antonio, Texas, Joseph Washington (Amber) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Lee Washington (Britteny) of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; great-grandchildren Ella and Midas; sister-in-law’s Susan Anderson, Shirley Anderson and Sallie Beasley (William); a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends and her “adopted daughter and son”, Portia and Bobby Griffin. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Beatrice Anderson; her husband, James Edward Beasley; daughter in-law Willie Mae Hammonds and grandson Steven Hammonds; brothers John Anderson and Lewis Anderson.

Tributes

Clara Z. Beasley

July 10, 1924 - February 14, 2020