CLARA ANN GAKINS

A LIFE WORTH LIVING

“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance 

of those things which were told her from the Lord.  And my 

spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.  For he hath regarded the 

low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all 

generations shall call me blessed”.

                                                                                                                                          (Luke 1:45, 47-48)

            Clara Ann Gakins, affectionately known as, Tee, Granny, or Ms. G, made her arrival on February 22, 1928.  She was the third of four children born to the late Sarah and Joseph Gakins.

            Clara accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend C. C. Claiborne.  Clara often stressed how she loved the Lord and how good he had been to her during her life.  She also believed in the Power of Prayer.  During her years with Mt. Pleasant, she has served as the Church Clerk, Sunday School Superintendent, and later crowned a Deaconess.  Clara remained a faithful member until her health began to fail, all while under the leadership of Pastor Patrick Stubbs.  

            Clara received her educational training within the schools of East Carroll Parish.  During this time, Clara realized that her life had a strong purpose and that she was destined to inspire and leave an indentation on the lives she touched. She graduated from then, Grambling College, with a B. S. degree in Elementary Education.  Later, she furthered her education by attending Northeast LA University.  Clara began her teaching career in 1955.  She was a dedicated educator for 56 years before retiring her “Roll Book and Ruler”.

            On July 2, 2020, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Clara answered God’s call to take her well-deserved rest into the Bosom of Abraham.  Those who met and received her spirit at the gates was parents, Sarah and Joseph Gakins, siblings – Alma, Walter, and C. J., granddaughter, Denym Blockwood, and nephew, La’Darramie Carraway.

            Her inspiration and memories will forever dwell within her daughter, Ängela Mitchell-Blockwood(Brian); granddaughter, On’Junae Hewitt(T. K.); great-granddaughter, Ta’Kiya Threats; Nieces—Shirley Mitchell, Sarah Stevenson(Bennie), Doris Slay, Rita Colson, Helen Powell, Lillie Bell Powell, Doris Adams, Edna King(Richmond), Lear Hawkins(Shadarrame), Ondrell Hawkins(Eric), Alana Mitchell, Breona Stevenson, and Jurnee Tyler; Nephews---Leartrice Hawkins(Vernie), Clarence Gakins, Eddie Mitchell, Laidric Stevenson(Stephanie), William Stevenson(Latoria), Cameron Stevenson, Walter Gakins, James Adams, Adrain Adams, Edward Powell, Albert Powell, Henry Powell, Robert Powell, and Johnny Jones.  One God-daughter, Jeslyn Lewis.  A host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and former students.

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