Clara Williams

Clara “Bernice” Williams was born on Friday, Jun 15, 1956 and was called home to rest on Sunday, March 26, 2023.  She was born in Los Angeles, CA and was the youngest child of John C. Williams Sr. and Clara R. Williams.  She attended Mark Twain Elementary School, Vanguard Middle School, Lynwood Academy and graduated from San Fernando Valley Christian High School.

As a young girl Clara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Figueroa Church of Christ.  She had a love for fast cars, softball, bowling, the latest gadgets and attending concerts; most recently Patti Labelle.  One of her favorite past times was spending time with family, playing cards, camping, going to the casino, and she loved watching Venus & Serena dominate the court.  Most memorably, she founded the “Soul Food” club where a ball was had by all; bonding, socializing, eating, dancing, and laughing.

She started her work journey at South Central Community Child Care as a teacher’s aide, and then went on to retire from the United States Postal Service, where she was a mail clerk.  Clara believed that if you could dream it that you could achieve it!  With this mindset she went on to obtain a Class B driver’s license, became a notary, owned a transitional living home, was a landlord, had a t-shirt business and most importantly, she was the caretaker for her son, Cory.

Clara who we affectionately refer to as “Bernice” was loved by many.  She had a heart of gold and will be remembered for her loving, giving and kind, ride or die spirit.  Bernice is survived by her son Cory Wisham, three sisters; Willie L. Kessee, Mattie Thrash (Michael Thrash), Violet Kemple (Gregory Kemple), three brothers; Bennie Williams, Judge Williams, De-Andre Valencia, one Sister-n-Law, Gloria Williams, Nieces/Nephews; Detavio, Michelle, Alex Sr., Edward, Marinell, Keith, Blythe, Melvin, Chiana, Michael, Shayla and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, great nieces, great nephews and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents John C. and Clara Williams, her brothers; Sylvester and John C Williams, Jr. and nieces Lori Huff and Rashaun Alsberry. Bernice also leaves to cherish her memory some of those that she held close; Rafael Romero who she treated like a son, best friend Brenda Tell-Malone, favorite cousin Darlene Bowman, and her lifetime friend Kit who preceded her in death.