Clara Rogers (Nunley)

Clara was born on March 21, 1939, to her parents, Rosie L. Hayes and William Howard. She was the second of three children.

At an early age, Clara was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church-Cordell in El Dorado, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend T.O. McJunkins. This is where she developed her spiritual foundation for life. Upon returning to El Dorado in 2006, she joined Mt. Willie Baptist Church.

Throughout her sophomore year, Clara attended Washington High and served as a Drum Majorette of the Mighty Hornet Marching Band. Her mother, Rosie, later moved to Reno, Nevada, where Clara continued her education at Manoque Catholic High School and graduated in 1957. She was the first African American to attend and graduate from the institution.

Clara worked as an office manager for California 1st Management Company, a family-owned business. For several years, she worked as a political analyst and was responsible for the elections of two San Francisco mayors, one of whom was Willie L. Brown, Jr., the city's first Black mayor. On behalf of the Senate and the state of California, Clara was recognized for her service and outstanding leadership in the Democratic political realm by May 23, 1996, being designated as "Clara Rogers Day."

Clara's legacy was defined by her strength and love for her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Josephine Howard, and three children, Bridget Carter, Andrea Anderson, and Aaron Anderson, as well as a grandson, Calvin Williams. She leaves behind to cherish her memories a loving husband of 40 years, Allen Nunley, Jr.; four children: William Gantt, Marion Anderson, Allen Nunley, III, and Valerie Nunley; and one sister, Ida Grace. Clara's memory will also be mourned by her 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.