Clara Arlene

Clinton

Clara Arlene Barksdale Clinton was born on August 1, 1944, in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She was born the second child of the former Mable Virginia Mays and Ervin Berlin Barksdale in Dolphin, VA.
Clara accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Olive Branch RZUA Church in Dolphin, Virginia. After relocating to New Jersey, she became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Englewood, New Jersey, where she worshipped and served for many years.

Clara received her early education in Lawrenceville, Virginia, and proudly graduated from James Solomon High School in Lawrenceville, Virginia, as a member of the Class of 1963. She continued her education by completing Cosmetology School in 1964, laying the foundation for a successful career in the beauty industry. Committed to lifelong learning, she later earned a degree in Business Administration from Jersey City State College as a member of the Class of 1988, and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Psychology.

A talented and dedicated professional, Clara proudly owned and operated Arlene's Beauty Salon for more than twenty years, where she became known not only for her exceptional talent but also for the genuine relationships she built with her clients. She also worked for Clairol Cosmetics for numerous years, sharing her expertise and passion for the beauty industry. In addition, Clara dedicated many years of public service as an employee of the City of New York Welfare Department, from which she later retired.

Clara believed in giving back to her community and was actively involved in several organizations throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and remained an active and devoted member of Ideal Temple No. 290, Daughter Elks.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie James Clinton; her parents, Ervin Barksdale and Mabel Mays Barksdale; her sister, Daisy M. Barksdale "Tina"; her brother, Ervin Barksdale "June/Junie"; her sisters-in-law, Martha Macklin Barksdale and Johnnie Mae McClary; and her brothers-in-law, Andrew Clinton, Isaiah Clinton, and Thomas Clinton.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Sherri Alisa Clinton; her loving niece, Marika Barksdale Peterson of Petersburg, Virginia; her cherished great-nieces, Indigo Peterson of Gainesville, Florida, and Iyana Peterson of Tallahassee, Florida; her sisters-in-law, Anna C. Sutton and Ollia Mae Clinton of Cassatt, South Carolina, and Martha Clinton of Houston, Texas; her five beloved godchildren, Shirley Hart of Cassatt, South Carolina, Valarie Martinez, Angela Dula, Arno Peters, and Eric Birtha, all of New Jersey; her dedicated cousin and lifelong friend, Catherine Simmons "Topsy"; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former clients, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.
Clara will be remembered for her warm smile, compassionate heart, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. She lived with grace, dignity, and resilience, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.