Clara Greene

I’m Clara Greene, affectionately known by many as “Hess”. As you know, I’ve completed my earthly journey. God granted me over 92 years on this earth. I’ve enjoyed the life I lived and cherished the time I’ve spent with each of you. While it wasn’t always easy, I had a beautiful life filled with plenty of joy and happiness.

Speaking of my life, it started on March 11,1927, in Moncks Corner, SC. My loving parents Lucille & Glennie McQueen and father Samuel Simmons Sr. were the proud parents of many children. As a child, I was educated in Berkeley County and I eventually went on to work in the fashion industry, pressing and tailoring clothes. 

In 1944 I met my one true love, Frank Greene and we were united in holy matrimony. Frank and I started our family in Eutawville, SC. God blessed us with a lot of children too, who included: Ella Mae Peoples (Mingo), Frank Greene (Rillie), Hannah Green (Alonzo), Eugenia Chestnut (Aaron), Issac Greene, O’Neil Green (Angela), Vivian Thomas (Mitchell), Beulah Hayden, Catherine Souter (Paul), Kelvin Green (Paulette), and Mamie Ross (Clifford). 

In 1961 we moved our family to New York City. Frank departed this life in 1969. I never remarried but continued to fall in love every time a new grandchild was born. I eventually retired in 1990 and in 1992, I relocated back to Moncks Corner to take care of my mother, Lucille. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age. Upon returning to SC, I rededicated myself to the church and became an active member of Greater St. James A.M.E Church where I served on the Culinary Arts Committee and was a part of the Senior Ministry.

I loved when my children and grandchildren came to visit so I could make my famous “Okra Soup.” I spent most of my time with my brothers, sisters and grandchildren, tending to my flowers, vegetable garden, fishing, quilting and canning my harvest.

During my journey, I was blessed to experience the joys of life with my siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. In the end, I was surrounded by love from my children and my grandchildren. 

I want you all of you to remember to put God first, cherish the time and memories you create with your loved ones, do your best and whenever you can, help others in need.

Clara leaves to cherish precious memories: her loving children, Ella Mae Peoples (Mingo), Frank Greene (Rillie),Eugenia Chestnut (Aaron), O'Neil Greene (Angela), Beulah Hayden, Kelvin Greene (Paulette), and Mamie Ross (Cliff). Her sisters, Maggie Mae Simmons, Katherleen Haney, Adell Simmons (Virgil), and JacqulineGrant. Her brothers, Herman Davis (Elease), Melvin McQueen (Emma), Jerome McQueen (Lora), JerveySimmons (Rosetta), Charlie Simmons Sr. (Priscilla), Pernell Simmons, and William Simmons. Her 22 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

In addition to her parents, Lucille and Glennie McQueen;father, Samuel Simmons, Sr. and husband, Frank Greene,four of her beloved children preceded her in death: Catherine Souter, Vivian Thomas, Hannah Greene, and Isaac Greene; her brothers, William Davis, Glennie McQueen, Harvey Simmons, Samuel Jr., Louis McQueen and sisters, Valley Mae Burns and Carrie Bell Smith.

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