Ms. Clara D. Matthews was born on September 1, 1937, in Hope Hull, Alabama, to the late Cornelius Matthews and Clara Mae Matthews. At an early age, Clara confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with Big Zion Church, where she served faithfully.

In later years, Clara moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to care for her aunt. During her journey, she attended several churches before joining Zion Temple Church under Pastor Johnson. There, she served diligently as an usher every Sunday and lovingly worked as a Mother of the Kitchen. Clara’s service was not just a duty—it was her ministry, and she carried it out with grace, humility, and joy.

Clara was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved her family deeply and unconditionally. She worked at Children’s Hospital for 25 years before retiring, and even in retirement, she remained active, spending cherished time with her family and friends. Because she was never one to sit still, she later worked at Speedway for five additional years, touching even more lives with her kindness and warm spirit.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Clara Mae Matthews, and two children, Terry Matthews and Gail Matthews.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory five devoted daughters: Barbara Haunert (Mark Haunert), Jennifer Russell (Percy Dubose), Gloria Matthews (Richard Gentry), Wanda F. Matthews, and Stachel Matthews; and two loving sons, Tracey Matthews (Tracy Matthews) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Conrad Sharpe of Montgomery, Alabama.

She is also remembered by one faithful nephew, Harrison Matthews (Cora Matthews); four beloved sisters, Inell M. Perkins, Zelma Patterson, Estelle Upshaw, and Nora Lee, all of Montgomery, Alabama; along with Pettus of Chicago, Illinois; and her brother, Ben Matthews. Clara was blessed with God-sisters Paula Rease Cole and Darlene Cole.

She also leaves a beautiful legacy of grandchildren—Rico, Ronald, Brian, Gerald, Kendra, Tracey Jr., Terry, Raymond, and Todd—as well as ten great-grandchildren, with two preceding her in death.

She also leaves behind three godsons, Reginal Cole, J.W. Cole, and Mike Williams; two goddaughters, Annette Williams and Tammie Govan; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her dearly.

Clara lived a life of service, love, and unwavering faith. Her legacy will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:30 am until 11:00 am, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Bethel Baptist Church, 2712 Alms Place, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4251 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati (45232).

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Matthews family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Matthews family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.