Mrs. Clara Denise Hall Earle

This story begins on June 23, 1970, in Memphis, Tennessee, when Clara Denise Hall made her arrival on this side of heaven. Born the youngest of six siblings, Clara was an energetic, adventurous, creative, and ambitious daughter of two very hardworking parents, Horace and Dollie Hall. Her humble beginnings fueled her passion for life and her commitment to living it to the fullest.

Clara accepted Christ at an early age at Middle Baptist Church in Whitehaven under the leadership of the late Reverend Lester Basken. She later worshipped at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, TN and New Direction Christian Church in Memphis, TN before planting roots at Oak Spring Baptist Church in Arlington, TN, where Pastor W. Michael Martin is the senior pastor. Wherever the Lord led her, Clara was a dedicated and faithful member. She lived her life with grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her devotion to her church and her community was evident in all that she did, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Clara was truly a beacon of light.

Clara thrived academically. She graduated from Fairley High School in Memphis, TN, in 1988, where she lifted the name of Jesus as a proud member of the renowned Fairley High School Gospel Choir under the direction of Reverend Robert Matthews. She went on to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, earning a bachelor’s degree in Hotel/Motel Management. While at TSU, she was active in several campus organizations and proudly became an Alpha Sweetheart of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Her love for TSU remained strong throughout her life, and she attended the school’s annual homecoming without fail. Clara later earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University. Her drive for knowledge and personal growth was a reflection of her dedication to excellence in all areas of her life.

A faithful public servant, Clara worked for many years with Memphis City Schools and, most recently, served as the Nutrition Services Coordinator for Arlington Community Schools. She loved her job and was frequently recognized for her kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail. She took pride in her work and in serving her colleagues, students, and community with joy and integrity.

Family was the center of Clara’s world. She deeply cherished her daily conversations with her mother, sisters, and nieces, attending her nephews’ games, and playing an active role in organizing family reunions for the Rhodes and Turner families. While working at Klondike Elementary School in 2005, she met the love of her life, Wynn Earle, Jr. They were united in holy matrimony on March 10, 2007. Together, they enjoyed traveling, sharing meals—especially Mexican food—and simply being in one another’s company.

On the morning of June 18, 2025, Clara returned to her heavenly home. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy as a servant leader, devoted disciple of Christ, accomplished professional, and beloved friend will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Clara was preceded in death by her father, Horace Edward Hall. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Wynn E. Earle, Jr.; her devoted mother, Dollie Pugh Hall; four sisters, Benita D. Hodge-Simmons (Greg), Tyree Laine Harris (James), Jacqueline Cole, and Regina Hall; three brothers, Horace Anthony Hall (Renita), Marion Keith Hall (Pearcita), and Forrest Dewayne Hall. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family members, her church family, and her beloved co-workers.

Clara Denise Hall lived a life full of love, purpose, and unwavering faith. Her light will continue to shine in the lives of all she touched.

Visitation for Clara will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Stage Road Chapel, 4445 Stage Road, Memphis, TN 38128.

Visitation will occur Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 12:55 PM at Oak Spring Baptist Church, 10250 Godwin Rd, Arlington, TN 38002.

Celebration of Life will occur Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oak Spring Baptist Church, 10250 Godwin Rd, Arlington, TN 38002.

Committal Service will occur Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Oak Spring Baptist Church, 10250 Godwin Rd, Arlington, TN 38002.