Clara Render's Obituary
Clara LaWanda Render, 73, passed away peacefully and went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in the Hospice Care Center. She was born July 14, 1949, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Felmon Lee and Annie Mae Williams. She was affectionately called “Wanda” by her family and friends. Wanda was a 1967 graduate of Riverside High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Health from the prestigious Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. Wanda relocated to Chattanooga after graduation to pursue her teaching career with the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Public Schools. She was known to her students and colleagues as an advocate for education. She was well respected and received accolades for her exemplary teaching style, leadership, and her genuine concern for the well-being of her students. She believed that every student had the capacity and capability to do remarkable things. She was such the educator, that she taught her daughter to read and write at an early age. She believed in supporting historically Black colleges and universities and encouraged her daughter and others to follow the same route. She would always say, “do not take any opportunity for granted and never give up.” When assisting her daughter in her first year in college, Wanda stated with a slight hint of humor “Tara, do not make this college journey a social experiment.” She was extremely proud when her daughter graduated with honors from the esteemed Virginia Union University in 1993. After 30 plus years of service, Wanda retired from the Hamilton County Public School System in 2007. While enjoying her retirement, Wanda continued to live her life in a way that pleased God. She was a godly woman who believed in being a vital asset to her community, her church, and most importantly to her family and friends. She was the matriarch, the mediator, the prayer warrior, a giver, and a true light. She was kind, generous, loyal, faithful, and committed to all those she cared for and loved. She could change the atmosphere with her beautiful presence and leave you with a good laugh. Wanda received the Lord as her Savior at an early age and in her early years was a former member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Melvin T. Jordan. She continued to render her talents and gifts unto God while being an active member of Eastdale Village Community United Methodist Church, where her brother, the late Rev. Stanley R. Williams was pastor, and her niece Rev. Charlotte Williams is the current pastor. Wanda was the former Treasurer, a member of the choir, hospitality committee, and member of the usher board. She believed in showing God’s love outside the walls of the church. She loved the Lord with all her heart and found joy in helping others. She touched so many lives and always believed, “A friend loves at all times.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Felmon Lee and Annie Mae Williams; paternal grandparents, Foster and Clara Williams; maternal grandparents, Samuel Bankston and Josie Ashford; brothers, Bernard Williams, Charles T. Williams, Felmon L. Williams, Torome Williams, and Rev. Stanley R. Williams; uncle, Curtis E. Foster. She leaves to cherish her precious memories to her loyal and beautiful daughter, Tara M. Wynn; grandson, Aaron J. Williams, both of Richmond, VA; loving and caring sister, Cathy Ann (Richard) Bragg of Chattanooga; devoted and faithful brothers, Larry Williams, Carlton Williams, and Dannie (Gweneford) Williams, all of Chattanooga; dear and cherished friends, Mrs. Nellie R. Warren and the late Freddie Warren, Jr., Mrs. Sarah Broadnax, and Mrs. Buel V. Walker, all of Chattanooga; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Charlotte Williams as the eulogist.
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