Clara (Perry) James

“Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, Godmother and friend”

Clara (Perry) James, 92, of Waterbury, Connecticut was reunited with her husband in heaven on June 2, 2023, at Waterbury Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late John Wesley James, Sr.

Clara was born in Elizabeth City, NC, on June 27, 1930, a daughter of the late Jimmie and Viola (Long) Perry.  After growing up in North Carolina, Clara relocated to Waterbury, CT in 1962.  Always being a strong woman of faith, Clara attended Refuge Church of God in Christ where she sang in the choir, was an usher, and was often called the Mother of the Church.

Clara leaves behind to cherish her memory:  two sons, John Wesley James Jr. of Waterbury, CT and Roger James of Massachusetts.  She also leaves behind three sisters, Shirley Perry and Vivian Perry, both of Elizabeth City, NC and Elnora Alleyne of Plainfield, NJ, one brother, James Perry of Plainfield, NJ, as well as her eleven grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, her aunt Mary Frances James of Woodville, NC, her three Goddaughters, a Godson, her best friend, Obzine Walton and countless nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her son Tilton James, a grandson John James, her sister Doris Perry Staton, and her brothers, John Henry Perry, Issac Perry, Paul Perry, Clarence Perry (her twin brother) and Shelton Perry, her close friend Maready Chapman and her favorite cousin Willie (Granmammy) Overton.

Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Refuge Church of God in Christ, 13 Hawkins Street. Interment will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. at the church and at her granddaughter Kendra’s home prior to services.

Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway is assisting her family with arrangements.

Local assistance to the family by Beach River Funeral Home.  

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