Clara T. Wilson

Clara T. Wilson, our family matriarch, was born Sunday, November 9, 1930, in New Freedom, PA, the fourth eldest child of the late Truman Fells Sr. and the late Edna C. (Nolden) Fells. Clara was the maternal granddaughter of former slaves who gained freedom and died free. Dating back to the 1800’s, there are no recorded records of enslaved Fells family members. Clara attended Bowman School, a one-room school, from first to eighth grade. She was the first Black to graduate from New Freedom High School, and Clara was proud to say she never experienced racism while growing up in New Freedom. Clara’s family was the first African-American family in the State of Pennsylvania to operate a Dairy/Cow Farm from 1939 to 1999. Clara’s employment and civic path included New Cumberland Army Depot, Harrisburg School District, Central Dauphin School District, Meals on Wheels and Unity Temple #61. Clara helped to raise generations of family children, and she was instrumental in securing employment opportunities at the New Cumberland Army Depot for four generations of family. Clara loved her God, her family and was a dedicated member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Harrisburg, PA, where she served with Stewardess Board C. Clara’s recipe for longevity was putting God first, attending church, walking in faith and trusting God. Some of her most enjoyable times were spent going to the casino, dining out and, foremost, spending time with her grandchildren and family. On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at the blessed age of ninety, while at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, Camp Hill, PA, Clara transitioned from time to eternity joining her parents, Truman and Edna Fells; husband, Fredrick Wilson; her siblings, Bernice Pitts, Richard Fells, Robert Fells, Paul Fells, Geraldine Jackson, Ethel Fells, Truman Fells Jr. and Helen V. Scott; her son, Alan Wilson, and her niece, Robyn Scott. Clara T. Wilson leaves to honor and cherish her legacy: one daughter, Linda Chapman (Gordon); her great-niece, Lakeysha Simpson; grandson, Christopher Chapman; granddaughter, Crystal Gyle; special nieces, Amelia Tyler, Pearl Nolden and Shalene Scott; great-nieces, Leasuja Talliferro, Imani Cameron and Noelle Cameron; great-nephews, Blaine Simpson Jr., Rev. Da`Laine Simpson and Dontez Patterson; best friends, Annie Gray, Mary Simpson-Phillips and Mary Randolph; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME.

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Clara T. Wilson

November 9, 1930 - September 14, 2021