Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Clara B. Smith

With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Clara B. Smith. Born Clara B. Wilkerson on August 27, 1930, Clara's journey was defined by faith, perseverance, grace, and an unwavering devotion to her family. During her 95 years, she touched countless lives with her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unconditional love.

On April 20, 1961, Clara united in marriage with the love of her life, Johnnie C. Smith. Together they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family legacy that continues through the generations she nurtured.

Clara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory of her son, Marlon Smith (Yolonda); her daughter, J. Anitra Smith-Williams; her bonus sons, Alton Smith (Dorthea) and Leon Barnwell (Eula); and her bonus daughter, Kathyrene Mitchner (Homer).

Clara leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her sister, Eloise Taylor; her sister-in-law, Mildred Smith; two special granddaughters, Chantel Oliver and Angell Kelsey; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family members; and the Wilkerson, Griffith, Thomas, Casey, and Whitson families, whose lives were forever enriched by her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnnie C. Smith; her children, Bobby Smith, Yvonne Whitson, Brenda Smith-Helton, Gonza Adams, and Willie Claude Smith; her grandson, Roosevelt Helton Jr.; her great-granddaughter, Antionesha Helton; her brothers, Jerry Wilkerson and Johnny P. Wilkerson; her sister, Burnastein Allen; son-in-law Carl Williams; and her parents, Rosie and Tommie Harris, and Clyde Wilkerson.

A quiet spirit throughout her life, she often sat in a reserved corner, content to watch her family enjoy every celebration, her gentle presence bringing peace, warmth, and comfort to every gathering. She never sought the spotlight, yet her love was the steady light that guided her family through generations.

Though her earthly journey has reached its final chapter, the story of her love, faith, and devotion continues in the hearts of those she leaves behind. As we mourn her passing, we are reminded that grief is love with nowhere to go. The depth of our sorrow reflects the depth of our love, and Clara was loved beyond measure by all whose lives she touched.

While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy remains forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Her laughter lives on in cherished memories, her wisdom continues through future generations, and her love remains woven into the hearts of all who knew her.

"Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 3, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Otis Washington will officiate. Family will receive visitors at the funeral chapel from 11:00 am Friday morning until the time of service. Burial will take place the following Monday, July 6, at 10:00 am in Forest Lawn Cemetery.