Clara Mae Skinner

Clara Mae Skinner, 91 years of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday March 29, 2014. Born August 18, 1922 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Clara was the daughter of the late Robert Donald and Anna Mae (Davis) Kilgore. Clara moved to Monroe in 1943. Clara attended Monroe County Community College where at the age of 69 she received her high school diploma. On May 12, 1937 Clara married her beloved husband Clyde D. Skinner, Sr. in Pineville, Kentucky. Sadly he preceded her in death on September 30, 1995 after 58 years of marriage. Clara and Clyde were one of the first couples to move into Mabel Kehres Town Houses. During WWII Clara worked for Woodall Industries to help with the war effort. Clara also worked for her daughter at LeGallery for several years. More than anything Clara was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed caring for her family. Clara was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church and a Girl Scout Leader. Clara was an incredibly talented oil painter; she enjoyed bingo, cooking, sewing, especially making drapes and recovering furniture. She also made uniforms for the tap dancing class at Lincoln School. While in her 70’s Clara participated in water ballet at the YMCA. More than anything Clara enjoyed time spent with family. Clara is survived by two loving children: Lillian E. Siterlet and Clyde D. (Mary) Skinner, Jr. both of Monroe, two sisters: Ruth “Woody” Suber of Harrogate, TN and Clio Cowen of Middlesboro, KY, six cherished grandchildren, eight treasured great grandchildren, four precious great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Clara was preceded in death by two daughters: Barbara Brancheau and Shirley Rose, and three brothers: Bill Brady and Bud and Ted Kilgore, and two sons in law: Don Brancheau and Francis Siterlet, Sr. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd, Monroe, MI, 48161 where funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Roy Southerland, pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Clara Mae Skinner

August 18, 1922 - March 29, 2014