Clara Ann Smith Hand passed away on Thursday October 26th 2023 at Southern Manor in Statesboro. Clara was born October 6, 1934, at her family’s farm in Brooklet-Denmark, Bulloch Co, Georgia, to the late Samuel Emerson Smith and Maggie Parrish Smith. She graduated from Georgia Teachers College High School in 1953. She then married her sweetheart, Quinton Hand, on June 11, 1953.
Their marriage was a strong one, built on a foundation of love and commitment, which lasted for almost 60 years. Clara was an active Christian, and a charter member of Gracewood Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher for many years. In 1995, she became a member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church.
Clara loved to travel, and adventured to places such as Ireland, England, Italy, the Bahamas, and many of the states. Clara also wasn’t a stranger to hard work and loved to stay busy. She worked a variety of jobs in her life, from picking cotton and tobacco, to becoming the Personnel Director of Woolworths. However, her favorite profession was being a Paraprofessional at Mattie Lively Elementary School for 18 years.
Clara was very loving and attentive to children, and they adored her in return. With her energetic spirit and fun-loving nature, it was hard not to love her. Beyond all else, Clara cherished her family. She was affectionately known as “Mema” by her grandchildren (and many others). Being a grandmother was a calling she fulfilled completely. She wasn’t the type of grandmother who taught her grandkids to bake cookies, knit or quilt. She taught them even more important skills- How to find adventure in the every day, to love unceasingly and always stay young at heart.
These lessons have had a profound effect on her loved ones – family and friends – and are what will keep her alive in our hearts for years to come. Survived by: Donna Price, daughter of Statesboro, GA, grandchildren, Justin Haddock (Rose) of Brooklet, GA, Ross Bryan (Chariz) of Statesboro, GA, Anna Price (Phillip) of Oreana, ID, Sam Hand (Preslie) of Statesboro, GA, seven great-grandchildren, Sarah and Lilly Haddock of Brooklet, GA, Georgia and Emmaline Smith of Oreana, ID, and Wayne, Charlie and Cali Bryan of Statesboro, GA. Also survived by a special niece, Pam Zamani of Watsonville, CA and her children Chris, Sarah, and Kevin.
She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents, Samuel and Maggie Smith, she was preceded in death by her husband Quinton Hand, her son Wayne Hand, one sister, Dorothy Wilson, and three brothers, Waldo, Willie, and Calvin Smith.
Clara’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Southern Manor Senior Living Center for the wonderful attentive Care they provided for her over the past 3 years. Also, thanks to Jan Johnson of Regency Southern Care Hospice for the excellent care given to Clara during her transition. There will be a private gathering of family at a later date. Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.
