Clara Mae Aldrich Lawhorn (“Chamae”) (“Charmie”), age 89, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
She was born in McBee, South Carolina on March 24, 1935. She attended McBee Public Schools and in 1952, she migrated north to New Haven, Connecticut where she matriculated at Hillhouse High School and graduated in 1953.
After graduating from Hillhouse in 1953, she was immediately hired by Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) as an operator and eventually worked her way up to Assistant Manager of Operator Services. Clara retired from SNET in 1987 after a nearly 40-year career with the company.
Clara received her associate’s degree in business from Albertus Magnus College in 1986. In 1989 she obtained her Connecticut real estate license, and for a time was a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker.
Clara maintained a strong faith in God and was an active member of St. Martin de Porres Church since the mid-1950s. She was a very active parishioner, having served as Eucharistic Minister, a volunteer of the St. Martin de Porres Weekly Breakfast Program, and the annual church picnic. She was an active member of the St. Martin de Porres Bible Study Group. Clara was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, St. Martin de Porres Court, and Council 266 from 1985 until 1995 during which time she held various offices and attended District Conferences and National Conventions.
Clara lived in the East Rock/Cedar Hill neighborhood for over 50 years and was very active in that community having served as Ward Chair for a period of time and having served on the Block Watch Committee. She had an immense love for her community and worked very hard to preserve its history and beauty. Clara was no less than a mother to all the neighborhood children who lovingly called her “Miss Claire.” She was a constant beacon of love and community strength. She tirelessly ensured the cleanliness of the neighborhood, organized countless neighborhood picnics, and took the initiative to make the community a beautiful place to live. Clara played a critical role in creating a park in the Cedar Hill neighborhood which has fostered community ties and provided a safe and joyful space for the neighborhood children. Clara was a longtime volunteer at the Pardee Rose Garden and Greenhouse in New Haven. Her relentless efforts also included promoting greenery, a testament to her love for nature and gardening, and bestowing Ridge Street with alluring flowers and trees. She was a resident of Ridge Street and had been for many years.
Clara served in the past on many boards. She was a member of the Archdiocesan School Board of the State of Connecticut, a board member of Mount St. John School, Sacred Heart/St. Peter School, and St. Martin de Porres Academy. She also served as a volunteer for the Pre‑K class at St. Martin de Porres Elementary School.
In 1996, Clara was recognized by the Archdiocese of Connecticut for her service and volunteerism to the Catholic Church. In 2007, she received the Community Service Award from the Elm City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., recognizing her dedicated service to the community. A survivor of breast cancer, Clara, was recognized by Sister’s Journey in their 2014 Calendar of Hope for the month of March.
Clara leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, the Honorable Judge Robin L. Wilson, of New Haven, her sister Loretta Moore of McBee, SC, her best friend Lillian (“Tiny”) Stanfield of New Haven, her special daughter Kelsey Snedeker of Waterbury, her special caregiver, Lawuo K. Joe of Bridgeport, who tirelessly took care of her and was by her side to the end, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clara was preceded in death by her husband Horace Lawhorn, Jr., her parents, Jack Aldrich and Mary Knox Aldrich, her sisters Geneva Hammonds, Thelma Lawhorn and Alberta Perry, her brothers, Ted Aldrich, Bill Aldrich, James Willie Aldrich, Jasper Aldrich, John Aldrich, Bobby Aldrich, and Franklin Aldrich.
A celebration of Clara’s life will take place Friday, December 6, 2024 11:00 AM at St. Martin de Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Friday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Lawhorn family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com