She was born on October 5, 1934 in Winchester, Tennessee to the late John Marion Yates and Etta Bell Perry Yates. She was one of eight children and lost her mother when she was only 11 years old. She attended school in Franklin County, Tennessee and later settled in Columbus, Georgia where she met the love of her life and husband of 46 years, Ben Irvin Russell. Ben preceded Clara in death just seven months ago and she has missed him every minute of every day since.
Clara taught Head Start for 20 years but always considered being a wife, mom, and grandmother her most important titles. She and Ben loved to travel and especially enjoyed the many cruises they took all over the world. Family trips to the lake, the beach, the mountains, or visits to see her family in Tennessee always brought her such happiness.
Clara had a bright smile for everyone she met. She quickly adapted to retirement after moving to Covenant Woods a couple of years ago and was honored to be one of “the Golden Girls” with her friends there.
Clara lost her parents, her husband, Ben, her beautiful daughter, Connie Farmer, and beloved son-in-law, Charlie Farmer, way before she wanted to say good-bye to them, as well as her sister, Dorothy Clark, and her brothers, Harold and Wayne Yates. She is survived by her siblings, Sonny Yates, Grace Garner (Shorty), Doris Buckley and Joyce Morris.
Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are her children: Pamela Woodard (Mike) of Pine Mountain, GA, Mike Finney (Peggy) of Smiths Station, AL, and Michelle Russell (Roger) of Phenix City, AL; seven grandchildren: Stephanie Campbell (Kenny), Brandy Royer (Justin), Sonya Whitmer (George), Jonathan Finney (Amanda), Justin Woodard (Ali), Matthew Finney (Kristina), and Lindsey Briggs (Tyler); and 11 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 12:30 pm until service time.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary with Reverend Hank Reeves officiating.
Following the service in the chapel, the family asks that extended family and friends join them for a time of fellowship in the Mill Room.
A private family burial will follow.
If so desired, donations may be made to Columbus Hospice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Russell family may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com
