Who Was Clara Estella Roberta Johnson?
Clara Estella Roberta Johnson was a woman known for her faith, kindness, and dedication to helping others. She was born on March 24, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Raised by her parents, John Peal and Alberta Richmond, Clara grew up in a household filled with love, values, and strong faith.
She never chased fame or attention. Instead, she chose a different path. A life of service. A life of purpose. Her mission was to uplift people through spiritual guidance and community support.
Growing Up in a Faith-Filled Home
Clara’s childhood was shaped by her parents’ belief in hard work and community values. Her mother, Alberta Richmond, raised her children with care and strong spiritual values. These early lessons would guide Clara throughout her life.
She also grew up alongside LaWanda Page, her mother’s daughter from a previous relationship. LaWanda later became famous for her role as Aunt Esther in Sanford and Son. But Clara, instead of joining the entertainment world, found her calling in faith and evangelism.
Choosing a Different Path
While many in her circle were drawn to showbiz, Clara followed her own path. She turned toward ministry and never looked back. Her faith was strong, and she felt it was her life’s purpose to help others discover the same peace she found in God.
Clara started the Clara E. Johnson Evangelistic Association. Through this non-profit group, she organized revivals, gospel crusades, seminars, and workshops. She brought hope and spiritual comfort to communities both in the U.S. and abroad.
People who attended her events often said they felt uplifted, not just spiritually but emotionally too. Her words, backed by real care, touched hearts. Clara’s work wasn’t about preaching from a distance. It was about connecting, guiding, and healing.
Family Life and Personal Strength
In 1957, Clara married James Johnson. Together they had a son, James Johnson Jr. She later became a proud grandmother, always present and loving in her family’s life.
While she was committed to her ministry, she never let go of her family responsibilities. She balanced both roles with grace and strength. Her life was about service—at home and in the church.
But like all of us, Clara faced struggles too. She lost her mother in 2002. That loss left a hole in her heart. And sadly, Clara passed away herself on June 4, 2006, after battling a long illness. She was 69 years old.
A Mother’s Love: LaWanda Page’s Heartache
Clara’s passing hit her mother, LaWanda Page, very hard. LaWanda had been through her own health problems but often spoke with pride about Clara. Despite her fame as a television actress, LaWanda said losing Clara was one of the most painful moments of her life.
She once shared, “It’s very painful to lose a child. It’s like losing a part of yourself.” That raw truth reflected the deep bond between them. They weren’t just mother and daughter. They were best friends.
Her Work Continues
Even after her passing, Clara’s impact is still felt. Her evangelistic organization didn’t stop. In fact, it continues to grow and serve people in her name.
- The Clara E. Johnson Scholarship Fund helps students pay for higher education.
- The Clara E. Johnson Food Pantry provides groceries to families in need.
- A Medical Clinic has also been started to serve the underprivileged with health services.
These programs carry her spirit forward. Clara believed in not just talking about faith, but living it. That’s exactly what these programs do. They offer real help, rooted in compassion and love.
A Legacy of Love and Faith
Clara Estella Roberta Johnson lived a life that inspired many. She didn’t need a spotlight or a camera to make a difference. Her power came from her sincerity, her faith, and her commitment to helping others.
She taught us that a meaningful life is one built on service, not status. Her memory lives on in every sermon preached at her ministry, every student who receives a scholarship, and every family that finds food on their table because of her pantry.
She remains a symbol of strength, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of faith.
FAQs about Clara Estella Roberta Johnson
Was Clara Johnson related to LaWanda Page?
Yes, Clara was the daughter of Alberta Richmond, who was also the mother of LaWanda Page. That makes them half-sisters.
What did Clara Johnson do for a living?
She was an evangelist. She founded the Clara E. Johnson Evangelistic Association, which worked to spread the gospel and help communities through workshops, revivals, and support services.
Did she have a family of her own?
Yes, Clara married James Johnson in 1957. They had a son, James Johnson Jr., and several grandchildren.
What is her legacy today?
Her legacy lives on through the non-profit projects started in her name, including a scholarship fund, a food pantry, and a medical clinic that continue to serve communities in need.
When did she pass away?
Clara passed away on June 4, 2006, at the age of 69 after a long illness.
