Clara Louise Vickers

Clara Louise Hughes (McGruder) Vickers, 88, entered external rest peacefully after having fought a courageous battle with long term illnesses.

Clara was born in Gadsden Alabama on June 24, 1932 to Alvin Hughes and Emma Brooks (Montgomery). Her formative years were spent in Alabama where she graduated “Salutatorian” from the 1949 class of Carver High School. She was a member of Mt. Sinai Spiritual Church in Gadsden prior to her move to Anderson, Indiana.

Clara served in various capacities at the church, primarily as a devoted Sunday School teacher and choir member. She was also an active member of the North Central Indiana Chapter, Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) as First Assistant and President of the choir for over 35 years.

Clara attended classes at Indiana Business College before pursuing and obtaining a degree in Social Psychology from Anderson College (University) in 1984. Because of her love for learning Clara also served as a substitute teacher for Anderson Community Schools for several years. She was also a counselor in the Bronnenberg Children’s Home (Orphanage).

Clara began her career as a key punch operator at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. She was later employed with and retired from General Motors, Delco-Remy Division.

She was an avid reader and puzzle solver. She loved nature and exploring new adventures. Clara traveled the world both as a GMWA member and personal leisure travel, visiting several states and over 35 countries abroad.

She was dearly loved and survived by 6 children: Charlotte Hyatt, Larry (Elishia) McGruder, Shirlene (David) Counce, Emma ( Louis Austin) Collier-Austin, Gerald C. Vickers, and Bonita K. Vickers; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and her treasured 5th generation of 4 great-great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her ”Sis” Yada Turner, ”Son-in-Love” Christopher John (Debbie) Bell, special cousins Dorothy L. Wilson, Maryann Dickerson, Mildred Lasley and a multitude of beloved cousins, and dear friends that are family to us all.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents: Emma (Cicero) Montgomery and Alvin Hughes; Aunt, Ethel Dickerson; Sons-in-Law: LeRoy Hyatt and Robert Collier, Sr.; and 4 grandchildren: Christopher and David McGruder, JaiRone Dixon, and Messiah Isaac.

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