Clara Johnston

Clara Culpepper Clark Johnston, 93, of Clovis, New Mexico, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007.

One of twelve children of John and Fairy Culpepper, Clara was born February 11, 1914 in Silverton, TX. She grew up in Grady, NM where she attended school. In 1932, she married Dallas Clark. They had one daughter, Beverley, born in 1939. They settled in Portales and both Dallas and Clara worked at the local newspaper as Linotype operators. Moving throughout the state of NM they assisted in the start up of newspapers in Lovington and Farmington, eventually settling in Carlsbad where they resided until Dallas death in 1968.

Clara spent the next several years living with her daughter and family in Glenview, Ill. and Nashville, TN. But, she was a small town girl, so eventually she moved back to Clovis. She worked for the Clovis school system, retiring in 1980.

Clara met and married Noel Johnston in 1983. She and Noel were very active in their church, First Church of the Nazarene, and they loved to travel. Noel passed away in 1994 and Clara continued to live in Clovis until her death.

Clara is survived by a loving family which includes 1 daughter, Beverley Hayes Percy of Granbury, Texas; 3 grandsons, Randall Hayes Cherylea of Richmond, Texas, Terrell Hayes Cathy of Charlotte, North Carolina and Dallas Hayes Brenda of Plano, Texas; 1 granddaughter, Renata Sobey Martin of Mt. Prospect, Illinois; 10 great grandchildren; 1 step daughter, Diane James Ken of Clovis, New Mexico and several step grandchildren; 2 brothers, Noel Culpepper of Murfreesboro, TN and Travis Culpepper of Slaton, TX and 2 sisters, Edna Thompson of Rio Rancho, NM Teretha Chisum of Loomis, CA and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dallas Clark in 1968 and Noel Johnston in 1994; brothers, Alvin, Wayne, Curtis Rayford and sisters, Ola, Faye Cletus.

Clara dearly loved her family. Her most treasured moments were spent with family and friends. She loved having visitors and she was a generous and gracious hostess. She was a wonderful cook and she always made you feel special by making your favorite dish. Going to Aunt Claras to eat was a special treat

Clara was always very active and she loved to go places and do things. But for many years, her spirit has been confined and frustrated by a body no longer able to do the things she enjoyed now she is free and her spirit can soar Even though our hearts are heavy now, we rejoice with her as we celebrate her life. We take joy in remembering all the wonderful times we shared with her. She was a special lady and she has a special place in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2007 at First Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Darwin Speicher officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Garden of Memories.

Casket bearers will be Randall Hayes, Terrell Hayes, Dallas Hayes, Martin Sobey, Ken James Max Kralicek.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Nazarene.
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Service

First Church of the Nazarene
1800 N. Norris
Clovis, NM  88101
Monday, April 23, 2007
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Mission Garden of Memories
7th & Rio
Clovis, NM  88101

Memorial Contributions

First Church of the Nazarene
1800 N. Norris
Clovis, NM  88101