Clara Brown

Clara Belle (Smith) Brown, 90, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the Green Hills Care Center in West Liberty,Ohio.

She was born January 19, 1920 in Scioto County, Ohio to the late James Franklin and Rosa Belle (Gilliam) Smith.

In 1937 she married Tinker Brown in Kentucky and he preceded her in death in 1961. Also preceding her death were two sons, James Edward and William Virgil Brown, a daughter, Judith Gay Brown, three grandchildren, Billy Jr., Larry “Sonny” and Duane Lee Brown, four brothers and one sister.

Surviving is a daughter, Rosemary (William) Bayless and a son, Larry Brown Sr. both of Bellefontaine; two sisters, Betty Ann Wilcoxin of West Liberty, Ruth Ross of Sidney, Ohio, and sister-in-law Arlene Smith of West Liberty, and thirteen grandchildren, thirty two great grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend, Tonya Redden and her family. Tonya loved and cared for her in her ailing years.

Clara worked at Tip-Top Restaurant, Merilee’s Laundry, Logan Coffee Shop, and Copeland’s in Sidney. She was the owner of the Green Arrow and Wagon Wheel and built and owned “The Broken Spoke” in Bellefontaine until her retirement in 2001. She was a lifelong member of the V.F.W.

She loved spending time with her family, friends and her pet dog, Billy. She enjoyed summers camping, playing cards, gardening and berry picking and canning. She was the most loving and caring woman who helped so many people in Bellefontaine through the years. Many refer to her as “Ma Brown”. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Calling hours are Sunday, June 20, 2010 from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine, where the funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 21, 2010. Burial will be in the Rushsylvania Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the V.F.W. Post #1080 to benefit the Ashcraft Brown Scholarship Fund 216 Orchard Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

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