Clara Mary Richard

Clara Hanks Richard, 86, of Port Acres passed away Saturday, January 07, 2012. She was born on May 9, 1925 to Jeff Hanks and Elena Sensat Hanks. She grew up in Duson, Louisiana and graduated from Scott High School. She married Claude J. Richard in 1944 and after his completion of service during World War II, they moved to Port Arthur where they raised their family.

Clara was employed as a Sales Clerk at Jardell’s Sewing Machines for several years and later worked as the store manager of Country Corner in Labelle, Texas until she retired. She was a member of St. Therese, The Little Flower Catholic Church. “Mawmaw Clara” was a wonderful cook who was happiest when feeding her family. She also loved working in her yard and enjoyed traveling over the years with family and close friends.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Claude J. Richard, her grandson Justin Richard and two brothers, Daniel and Gene Hanks.

Clara is survived by five daughters, Ruth Wanoreck and husband Bill of Labelle; Gloria Lemaire and husband Wilson, Jr. of Winnie; Judy Buchanan and husband Jack, Sally Romero and husband Norbert, Peggy Watt and husband Fred, all of Port Acres; son Port Arthur Fire Chief, Larry Richard and wife Linda of Port Acres. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and her beloved pet “Mandy”.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at Little Flower Catholic Church, Port Acres with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park , Groves with Rev. Anthony Paulose, C.M.I. officiating.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the professional and caring staff at Harbor House Hospice in Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic Church or the Harbor House Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.