Clora Mae Chafee Washington

Clora went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 7, 2012 with her family at her bedside at home in Hanford, California. Clora was born to Chester Chafee & Angie Purnell on December 24, 1945 in Sandhill, Mississippi. Her mother; Angie passed away when Clora was 12 years old. At that time Clora went to live with her uncle & aunt; Jim & Gladys Grant. Clora and her family then moved to San Francisco, California when she was 13 years old and resided there until she married. Some of Clora’s childhood passions were; sewing and cooking. Clora’s childhood friend was Alexis Galloway. Clora graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco, California in 1964. Shortly after graduating she married the love of her life; John L. Washington on July 3, 1964 at the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, California. Over the years she attended junior colleges to obtain her career training in nutrition and child care. Clora has been a resident of Hanford, California for the past 27 years. She worked as a Nutritionist and Community Food Service Worker for Kings County Community Action and Treasure Island Naval Base. She worked as Liaison from 1970-1972. She helped organize groups of people to teach nutrition and how to work with and eat commodity foods distributed by the county. Later she helped form the Senior Program with Katie McGee to have a feeding nutrition program for seniors of Kings County. This was a lunch program on Davis Street – similar to the Soup Kitchen today. Clora later ended her career in 1987. Clora will be dearly missed by her best friends; Margaret Crawford and Joanne Duckett before Joanne’s passing. Clora’s passions in life were cooking and watching boxing on TV. Clora especially loved shopping; she had a true sense of style. She also really loved spending time with her family. Clora enjoyed traveling anytime she found time. She really enjoyed going annually to the Blues Festival in Monterey, California and to Mississippi to visit family. One of Clora’s loves was her German Shepherd; Prince who she had for 7 years and now her Pit Bull; Vida Blue.

Clora was preceded in death by her mother; Angie Purnell and her uncle & aunt; who raised her from 12 years old; Jim & Gladys Grant. She is also preceded in death by a brother; Johnny Tillis and sisters; Alice Tillis & Naomi Sanders. Clora is survived by her father; Chester Chafee. Clora is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years; John L. Washington of Hanford, California. Clora leaves behind her five loving children; Ronald Hawkins of Brentwood, California, Angie Harlan of Antioch, California, April Washington, Anthony Washington & Ryan Washington all of Hanford, California. She is survived by many brothers and sisters. Clora was adored by her beautiful 16 grandchildren and 3 precious great-grandchildren. Clora will be missed by all who knew her!

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. all at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-5591 with Burial to follow at Hanford Cemetery; 10500 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-3937.

Family and friends may visit www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com to view Cora’s legacy and send condolences to the family.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.