Clara Vivian Blanton was born on February 7, 1935 in Bethany, Louisiana, the 2nd of 11 children born to Clarence Vernon & Ella Dorothy Bennett. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Living God, P.G.T., and was a founding member of The Church of the Living God, Temple #28.
Clara graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas as Salutatorian of the 1952 class, where she had the notable distinction of participating in a debate against Class Valedictorian and future Congresswoman and Civil Rights Activist, Barbara Jordan. Upon graduation, she attended the Prairie View A&M University Paraprofessional Program. In 1953 she met Jesse Earl Blanton, Jr., and the two married in 1954. She then went on to become the Secretary of Northwood Middle School in the North Forest Independent School District, a position she held for 31 years.
An avid sports fan, watching (coaching, cheering, and chiding) sports on TV with her sisters was a favorite pastime. Bowling was her sport of choice, and she was an active member of a Houston Area Bowling League for many years. Everyone knew: Tuesday night was Bowling Night. Her father often said: “Don’t die on a Tuesday, ‘cause Vee ain’t coming.”
She immensely enjoyed being with her sisters. Their bond was truly unbreakable. A good game of Spades was always welcome. More times than not, Vee would always have the best trump cards.
She lived a life of quiet service as a member of the Church of the Living God, P.G.T. City Wide Mission, Senior Choir member, and President of the Recycled Teens (a senior organization). Indeed, her life was about helping others, and she was always quick to help anyone in any way she could. The song If I Could Help Somebody perfectly sums up her life. Spreading love’s message, as the Master taught, Vee Vee’s life, most certainly, was not in vain.
Clara entered into Eternal Rest on Friday, August 7, 2020. Preceded in death by both parents, Clarence & Ella Bennett, 3 siblings (Helen, Claudine, and Clarence, Jr), Jesse Earl Blanton, Jr., and one son, Ronald Everett “Bear” Blanton, she leaves to cherish her memory: a very Special Aunt, Mrs. Edna Mae Deloach; 5 children: Jesse Blanton, III (Missouri); Cynthia Adeokun-Muhammad (Daniel); Keith Lewis (Melva); Ella Lindsey (Jeffery); and Robert Blanton (Lori Ann); 22 Grandchildren, 31 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandson; 4 sisters: Eva Bennett-Scott (Alvin); Maxine Bennett-Turner (John); Maxie Bennett-Williams (Sheman); and Sandra Bennett-Burley (Bishop Jerry Burley); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
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