Clara Jane Jackson Miller

Clara Jane Jackson Miller was born to the union of Julius and Evangeline Jackson on August 15, 1936 in Crawford, TX. She was the first born of four children. Clara attended elementary at Crawford Colored School and graduated from G.W. Carver High School in McGregor, TX.

On August 5, 1955 Clara was wed in holy matrimony to James Edward Miller of McGregor, TX. To this union seven children were born, Pamela, Gail, Rickey, Adrain, Sarah, Ralph and Reginald. They initially resided in McGregor and then moved to Waco, TX.

Clara was a devoted wife and mother. She attended Beauty College and became a licensed Beautician doing hair in her home. She also received a Clerical Certificate from 4C Business College. In 1973 Clara moved to Houston, TX and began her career as an Upholsterer and Seamstress. She was very creative and designed purses and handmade dolls.

Clara received a Certificate in Child Development/Special Persons from McLennan Community College. Her passion was caring for others, especially those with special needs, children and the elderly. At Mexia State School, she exceled in her supervisory role working with adults with special needs. She also embarked on a journey as a private caregiver providing services for many clients in a home health setting as well as in several facilities. In addition to her accomplishments, she was awarded a Humanitarian award for having the most Hemphill descendants.

Clara was a faithful servant of God and raised her family in church. She dedicated her life to being present for her loved ones and was adored by everyone she encountered. Her hobbies included fishing, singing, gardening and cooking. A few of her best dishes were peach cobbler, fried green tomatoes and cornbread dressing. Being musically inclined, Clara was a self-taught pianist and guitarist whose favorite genre of music was gospel. She was a collector of magazines, dolls, and jewelry.

Clara spent her last few months surrounded by family and loved ones until her passing. Not only was Clara the matriarch of her family but prior to her passing she was the oldest living Hemphill.

Clara was proceeded in death by her Parents, second oldest daughter Gail Maxine Miller Thomas, great-grandchild Darren (Bootsie) Clay Jr., youngest sister Billie Joe Allen, and James E. Miller.

Clara leaves to honor and treasure her memory to her loving children, Pamela D. Williams (Donald), Rickey J. Miller (Carolyn), Adrain K. Miller, Sarah C. Jones, Ralph E. Miller (Michelle) and Reginald T. Miller (Keisha); Twenty grandchildren: Shawntee, Donya, Damien, Dawnisha, Shunda, DeAdrian, Lil Sarah, Kandie, Rachelle, Dexter, Elena, Charlene, Adrain II, Carmen, Xavier, DeQuincy, Racquel, Ashley, Rickey Jr, and Big Reg; Twenty-two great-grandchildren, one sister, Louis Jean Bible, one brother, Dr. Johnnie R. Jackson (Francine) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.