Clarice Anita McClure

Clarice Anita McClure was born January 9, 1931, in Blytheville, Arkansas to her parents, Janie Bottom and Owen Johnston. She was raised with her siblings, Owen, Jr., Josephine, Eleanor, Gladys, Catherine, and Rosetta Johnston. After her mother's death, Clarice at the age of 4, was moved to Vidalia, Louisiana to live with her grandmother, Anithious Bottom. She graduated high school in Vidalia at the age of 17 and after graduation she moved to St. Louis, Missouri with her sisters, Eleanor and Catherine.

Clarice confessed her love for Christ at an early age and loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a member of Central Baptist Church in St. Louis for many years.

She met and married Robert L. Gentry, Sr. in 1950, and to this union three children were born: Marsha Gentry (Pointer), Robert L. Gentry, Jr. and Patricia Gentry Swindall. Her daughter, Marsha, tragically passed away before her.

Clarice worked at McDonald Douglas for 25 years and retired in 1993. She was also a faithful member of the IAMAW Aerospace Union.

Being a true matriarch of her family, Clarice always displayed love for her family, friends, and anyone she met. She always had several people in her life that she loved and that loved her. She never met a stranger and was always a very charitable person. She was always up to date with events and things that were happening on the world stage. Clarice watched her favorite TV shows, i.e., Westerns, In the Heat of the Night, Touched by an Angel, and Little House on the Prairie. She was an avid reader and was involved in prayer/devotional calls on a weekly basis. She always read her Bible and the Daily Word. She was always extremely proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who affectionally called her GiGi, NaNu, and Granny.

Clarice leaves to cherish her memories: Robert L. Gentry, Jr., Patricia C. Swindall, and Gerard C. McClure. Bonus daughter, Shirley Miner, daughter-in-law, Deborah Gentry and Step Son Offiong Ahmad (Bakha); grandchildren, Robert L. Gentry, III (Stephanie), Erika R. Gentry, Lynnette P. Swindall, Gerard C. McClure, Jr., Gerae McClure, Kimberly Gentry, and Genia McClure Natalie Brownridge; great grandchildren, Arianna Gentry, Imari White, Marshaun White, Yasmeen Young, Shamylah Arkadie, Sylvanus Arkandie, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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