This is my Mother Clara Reese – July 25,1916 – July 13, 2007

CLARA BELLE (Poole) REESE

 

 

Clara B. Reese passed away peacefully July 13, 2007 with her loving family beside her.  She was blessed with a long and healthy life.  She attributed her longevity and good health to having been given the blessings of God and having been touched by angels combined with moderation in all things and adherence to the 5th chapter of Matthew.  Mom prayed every day for others and for herself asking for the strength to persevere over adversity and then, only if it was God’s will.  

 

Clara was born July 25, 1916 in Memphis Tennessee to George and Martha Poole.  As a young child the family moved to Ohio, first residing in Wadsworth followed by a move to Akron where she graduated from Central High School with honors, having excelled in art.  She was an accomplished artist and a sampling of her work may be seen on the internet at  http://wa8dbw.ifip.com/MomArt.htm .  She was very creative and in addition to her love of art, Clara loved to sew, knit, crochet etc.  She blessed friends and family with her unique creations of everything from doilies, to afghans, to Christmas decorations such as crocheted snowflakes to miniature teddy bears, a mere two inches tall, complete with eyelashes.  It goes without saying that the girl bears had to have long lashes as compared to the short ones on the males!  Clara worked at a many jobs including a stint at the old Goodyear Aircraft during the Second World War where she assembled wings for the Corsair Aircraft.  After the birth of her first son, Robert Jr. she quit work and devoted her time and talent to being the best mother anyone could have imagined.  She was always there for her family, friends, and even the stranger that happed to be in need.   

 

Clara was never too busy to take time out of her day for others.  Her door was always open to those who came to chat, whether it was about religion, world affairs or simply if one whished to have a non judgmental ear to listen to what may have been troubling them.  As children we can remember our home being the gathering place for everyone in the neighborhood.  Clara was a surrogate mother to many of the kids in the area, dispensing guidance, knowledge, food and love to all.

 

Clara was preceded in death by her husband of forty four years, Robert, and all of her brothers and sisters.   She leaves to cherish her memory her five children,  son Robert Jr. (Phenon) of Akron, son Richard (Charmaine) of Norton, daughter Cheryl (John) Stegall of Akron, her loving and devoted daughter and caregiver Becky, and her son James, also of Akron.  She leaves ten grandchildren, Robert, Michael, Richard, Eric, Christine, John, Meredith, Laura, John, Janet, fourteen great grandchildren, sister in-law Ruth Reese, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

 

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Summa Health Systems Hospice Center for the care provided our mother and the compassion and empathy given to us at this difficult time.

 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 19th from 6 PM to 8PM at Stewart Calhoun Funeral Home, 529 West Thornton Street, Akron 44307.  A short tribute will be held at the funeral home directed by Rev. Raymond J. DiMascio at 8PM.  Funeral Procession will form Friday, July 20, 9:30 AM at 923 Shoshone, Akron 44305.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bernard Church Memorial Trust Fund, or your favorite charity or St. Bernard Church, 44 University Avenue Akron, Ohio 44308 in memory of my mother Clara. 

 

 

 

 

This is some of her old artwork from almost 70 years ago.

This is a linoleum block print of Mom's Dad George. He was dozing at home when she drew this picture in 1934.

 

A watercolor titled LIZA from 1937.

A pencil sketch of Occoviena (Aunt Catharine) Poole drawn in 1933 prior to her marriage to Mom's brother Herman.

An untitled water color from 1936. I call it Night Views.

  

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Created: 11/05/2000  Updated 08/12/2007