Clara Berry Williams

She was born to Lawrence Roosevelt and Minnie Eller Church Berry on January 24th 1932 in Bassett Virginia. Her childhood years were spent growing up on a small farm outside of Hickory NC and she graduated from Mountain view High School in 1950. Upon graduation Clara relocated to Morganton where she was employed by Western Union and met her future husband Ralph H. Williams. Clara and Ralph were married in 1953 and relocated their family to Charlotte NC in 1968.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Clara continued working until her retirement from Mecklenburg County in 1995. She was a Christian and a member of Hickory Grove Methodist Church. Her passions included cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her family, particularly the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clara was a spirited individual with advice and a joke for any occasion. Her practical jokes, laughter and smile will be missed by everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Sherry Williams Herbert of Lynchburg, Virginia; her grandsons Andrew Giarla of Harrisburg and Jesse Herbert of Charlotte: her sister Evelyn Beane of Granite Falls; brothers Marshall Berry of Hickory, Sherrill Church and Arley Church of Caldwell County; her earth mother Myrtle Berry; and her loving canine companion Dallas.

Clara is survived by her daughter Diane Williams Warner and husband Kim Warner of Boiling Springs, NC; daughter Judy Williams Giarla of Concord, NC; son Ralph H. Williams Jr. and husband Tom Roberts of Charlotte, NC; son-in-law Lee Herbert of Charlottesville, VA; grandchildren Taryn Warner Keever, Jonathan Warner (Candace Scruggs), and Rebecca Warner Humphries (Jonathan Humphries); Rion Williams (Jim Gravlin) and Nick Giarla (Victoria Gass); Evelyn Herbert, Christopher Herbert, and David Herbert; and great-grandchildren Makynzie, Hudson, and Adleigh Keever; Jase, Tucker, Rowan, and Silas Warner; Jasper Warner and Laela Humphries. Clara is also survived by her sisters Lucille Gregory, Kay Ramirez, Thelma Buff and her brother David Berry.

On behalf of Clara “Mimi” the family would like to offer our gratitude to the special caregivers who selflessly cared for and loved her throughout her final years. She had a special place in her heart for each of you.

A visitation will be held from 1:30 pm until 3 pm, Friday, May 31, 2019 at McEwen Mint Hill Chapel with a funeral service to follow at 3pm.