Obituary of Clara Mae Ferrell

Clara Mae Ferrell entered Heaven’s gates on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at her home in Chesilhurst, New Jersey. Clara was born to the late Sammie and Effie Barnes (nee Bryant) March 27, 1924 in Fremont, North Carolina. Clara was blessed with her older brother, Roscoe G. Barnes. Clara attended the Fremont and Goldsboro, NC School Systems where she was selected as Valedictorian of her class. Clara joined Bethel Freewill Baptist Church of Fremont, NC in 1940. She joined Holly Green Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Missionary Board and worked with the Youth Department. In January of 1943, she met and married her husband, Leron Ferrell and to this union, one son, James L. Ferrell was born. Leron and Clara initially moved to Asbury Park, NJ then to Philadelphia, PA. They eventually settled in Chesilhurst, NJ which was reminiscent of their days in the South. She was a devoted, loving and prayerful wife until Leron’s passing in 2003. She joined Cana Galilee Baptist Church in Phila., PA. in 1953 often commuting to NC to help her Mother care for her ailing Father. Clara was appointed First Supervisor of the Youth Movement at Cana and supervised many programs and banquets. Clara organized The Boy’s Club of Felton Street on her block in the Overbrook section of Phil., PA. which served to uplift and empower young men in the community through faith and mentoring. Mother Ferrell faithfully served under Pastors Utley and Hicks at Cana Galilee for over 36 years in her role of Church Secretary. In 1989, she and her husband became founding members of 20th Street Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Ervin Hicks in Phila., PA. When her health would no longer allow her to travel to Phila., PA, while remaining devoted to her 20th St. Baptist family, she found a church home at Lighthouse of Deliverance Gospel Church under Bishop Anthony Harley. Mother Ferrell thoroughly enjoyed her membership and the ministry at Lighthouse and was pleased to be witness to its growth. Although Clara worked in a number of professions, she was always striving for better. She worked at a hotel in Asbury Park, NJ, was a sewing machine operator in Phila., and at the Nabisco Cookie Plant. Lastly, she worked in the Nursing Department at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital where she primarily worked 3rd shift until her retirement. She never showed signs of tiring although she worked through the evening to come home and care for her ailing brother and cousin and take care of her children. She made lifetime friendships at work, in her community and church. She received numerous commendations from New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services due to her dedication to the children blessed to be placed in her care. Clara was serious about her faith and never shied away from the opportunity to share it and help bring others closer to Christ. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, visiting the sick, mentoring youth and mostly being “Mom” to so many children and young adults. She is preceded in death by her brother Roscoe Barnes, Husband Leron Ferrell, cousin Cleavy Rouse, nephews Roscoe Barnes, Jr. & Sammie Barnes, special sons James Kennedy, Robert Macklin, Darien Webb & daughter Agnes Speller. She leaves to cherish Her Memories: Son James L. Ferrell, Sr. (Beatrice), Sister-in- Laws: Mrs. Marie Massey of San Antoine, TX. & Mrs. Gloria Daniels of Atlanta, GA., Children: C. Nikki Thompson (Kenneth), Teyane Wallace, Mustafa Franklin, James & Darnell Robinson, Darnell Harrison, Lester Furman & John Drummond. Grandsons: James L. Ferrell, Jr. (Mona), Joey West (Vardara), Robert & Raymond Speller, Mikail Anderson, Cory Bradley, TreMaine Thompson, Kenton Thompson, Antwan Searles, Amir Hopkins & Kenneth Ferrell, Grand Daughters: Latifah Hopkins, Rhonda Rhines and Kenikki Thompson, Great Grands: Samaia Rhines and Lark Ferrell, Niece: Veronica Barnes, Nephews: Jeffery Barnes (Nancy) and Benji Barnes, Daughter-in-Law: Janice Ferrell, God-Daughters: Claretha Mervin, Jennifer Burkes and Sandy Nix, Special Friend: Carol Harrison and a Host of other Nieces, Nephews, Relatives and Friends.