Clara Kirven

Clara was born May 1, 1917 to Mary Trenell and Squire Brinkley Sr. in Jefferson County, Mississippi. Clara, (affectionately called, “Mother” by everyone) was the oldest of six siblings. Mother had ten children, Earl Ellis, her first born, raised by her aunt and uncle, Rosetta and Roosevelt Oliver , both deceased. Later, she married Henry Porter and of that union four children were born, Rosie Lee Porter Smith, Matthew Henry Porter, Edwina Porter Johnson, Cameron and Billy Porter. Later, she married Joseph Bouie Sr., of that union Clara gave birth to Irene Bouie, Lena Belle Bouie Weston, Jasper Bouie and Joseph Bouie Jr. Later she married Carter Kirven and of that union one son was born, David Carl Kirven. In 1941, the family moved from Union Church Mississippi to New Orleans, LA.

In 1953, Clara and the two youngest children moved to Duluth, Minnesota where her youngest sister resided. Clara joined Calvary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. Because of her love for children, Clara became a foster parent to many children.

Clara was very active in the Hillside Community Center and NAACP. She was a charter member of The Young Old Timers Club for Seniors.

In 1984, “mother” moved to Aurora, Colorado. She joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, and was very active in the Missionary Outreach Ministry. She became a member of the African-American Quilters and Collectors Guild. Clara’s quilts were hung in several libraries, the Aurora Museum and the U.S. West Corporate Office building. The quilting guild was featured in the book “The Community of the Spirit”, by Roland Freeman.

In 1999, Mother returned to Duluth, because most of her children reside here and Duluth was always home. She missed looking at Lake Superior and visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding Mother in death are her three husbands, Henry Porter, Joseph Bouie Sr., and Carter Kirven; siblings, Lessie May Ellis-Bingmon, Rosetta Ellis Jack, Elijah Smith; three children, Billy Porter, Irene Bouie, and Jasper Bouie; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Left to mourn mother’s passing are her seven children; 33 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; and 71 great-great-grandchildren.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth. Ephesians 6: 1-3.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. Funeral Service on Monday, May 2, 2011 at The River Church, 1902 East 4th Street, Duluth. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. To leave a memory of Clara or words of support for the family, please visit www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com