She was born December 6, 1912 in Versailles, Missouri.
She was predeceased by her husband, Alfred A. Jensen, her parents, Isaac Melvin and Mary Bahney Schannep and siblings, Maxine (Putnam), Dwight, Bill, Josephine (Drager) and Charles. She is survived by her son, Leslie Dwight Jensen and daughter-in-law, Juanita Leisch Jensen of Cuddebackville, NY, and her former daughter-in-law, Patricia Newton Jensen of Williamsburg.
She graduated from Pilot Rock High School in Pilot Rock, Oregon and attended the Perry Mansfield School for Performing Arts in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
From 1945-1947, Clara worked for the American Red Cross in England, Norway, France, and Germany. Starting first as a ‘Donut Dollie’ working in Clubmobiles, Clara took on increasing responsibilities, eventually opening, organizing, and managing large soldier’s clubs. After the war ended, Clara remained in Europe, and attended the Nurnberg trials on the day Robert H. Jackson gave his summation.
After returning to the U.S., Clara married Alfred A. Jensen, whom she met while in Europe. During Al’s long career as a Warrant Officer in the Transportation Cops, Clara accompanied Al to duty stations in Brazil and the Azores, always returning to the Fort Eustis area. From the late 1950s to the 1970s, Clara served as an escort and later as a costumed hostess for Colonial Williamsburg, receiving commendations for her service to V.I.P visitors.
Al and Clara were active in the establishment of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newport News, VA. After relocating to Virginia Beach, they became longtime members of Old Donation Episcopal Church.
In retirement, Al and Clara traveled throughout the US and to Europe, China and Israel. In 2002, Al and Clara made the decision to move into the Chesapeake Retirement Community, progressing through independent, assisted living and healthcare. Al passed away in March 2014.
Up to the last few weeks of her life, Clara remained the life of the party in the Chesapeake’s healthcare unit, participating in all musical events, low impact aerobic exercise classes, social events, and arts and crafts, still making “A Joyful Noise” and being a blessing to those around her.
The family invites all friends to attend a Celebration of Clara’s Life Saturday, January 12 at 2:00pm in the Chesapeake Room at the Chesapeake Retirement Community, 955 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a future date.
Clara was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and memorial donations may be made to that organization.
You may sign up to receive updates on the internment at Arlington, and to offer your condolences to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com
