Clara Bell Shackelford

Clara Shackelford was born April 9, 1933 in Coatopa, Alabama to the late Edgar and Augusta Shackelford. She was the fifth child of nine siblings.  Clara confessed Christ at an early age at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

She attend Sumter County Training School and later moved to Birmingham, Alabama. She joined St. Joseph Baptist Church where she was a member for over twenty years.  While living in Birmingham, Clara met and married Ed Simmons.  To this union was born six children. She was employed at Handover House Nursing home for thirty years.  Clara was a dedicated and hard worker who devoted her time to helping others.  When she was not working, you could find her planting or sewing.  She adored flowers and could often be found sitting on the porch attending to the many beautiful flowers she grew.  

She was proceeded in death by her parents and four brothers: William, Caleb, Henry, and Climmie, one sister, Susie and one son, Ed Simmons. 

Clara leaves to rejoice in her memory five daughter and one step-daughter: Margret Shackelford Crim (Curtis), Elizabeth Shackelford, Reshella Simmons, Clara Simmons Archie (Hugh) of Birmingham, Alabama, Dessie Simmons Sanders (Chris) of Cleveland Ohio, and Jean Simmons of Detroit Michigan;  two sons and one step –son, Raney Simmons, Joseph Simmons and James Weir of Birmingham, Alabama; two sisters, Mary Moultrie of Detroit, Michigan, Aldonia Smith of Coatopa, Alabama and one brother Edgar Shackelford (Shirley) of Detroit Michigan; Nineteen Grandchildren, Eighteen Great Grandchildren, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Friends, and Neighbors.

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