Clara Bow Estelle Davis
On August 23, 1929, a spirited bouncing baby girl named Clara Bow Estelle was born to Albert Douglas and Amelia Burnett in White Cloud, Michigan. As a young girl they moved to Mansfield, Ohio where she grew up. Clara was one of sixteen children; she was known to her family and friends as “Clair.” Her parents nurtured her tenacity and instilled in her the courage to live her life without any regrets. Some of Clara’s fondest memories were of her spending time with her mother drinking coffee and eating frog legs with her father.
In pursuit of new adventures, Clara made the decision to leave her childhood home and move to the City of Cleveland with her dearest friend Geraldine. This move changed her life forever! It was here, that she met the love of her life Robert William Davis. On December 10, 1949, Clara and Robert became husband and wife at Shiloh Baptist Church. From this union they created a remarkable life together; a story that would span more than seventy years. After having her first child Clara zeal for knowledge continued and her passion to care for others guided her into the healthcare field. She persevered during a time when the social climate was full of discrimination. In 1959, Clara completed her education in nursing from John Adams Vocational School. She would work as a licensed practical nurse at Bedford Medical Center until retiring in the 1990’s, to spend more time with her family.
One thing known, was Clara’s love for her Lord. She was a long-time member of Lee Heights Community Church alongside her husband, Robert. Clara was often seen within the church’s walls whether it be at bible study, Sunday services or choir rehearsal. She loved serving the Lord with her voice. She cherished praising “Him” alongside other women of God in the Women’s Choir; she did so until she was no longer physically able to. Clara had a deep reverence for creating and capturing moments in time; she loved traveling, playing card games, photographing her family and friends, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She made a point to have long conversations during car rides without any distractions including the radio. Her sound advice and motivational speeches still resonate with her children and grandchildren.
Clara Bow Estelle Davis at the age of 94, passed away February 26, 2024, in her home of sixty plus years with her oldest daughter at her side. Clara was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Perry(son), and Robert Davis(husband). Her spirit lives on in her daughters: Spring (Larry) and Robin (Darrell), her beloved grandchildren: Cashimiere Tubbs (Kevin), Jaline Wilkes (James), Jasmine Parham (Terrence), Lauren Phillips, Austin Phillips and four great-grandchildren Logan, Cassidy, Kinsley, and Lennox. She will forever be remembered and revered in the hearts of those who loved her.