CLARA MAE MACK's Obituary
Clara Mae Walker Mack (Mamie) was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma on July 7, 1936 to Jake and Rosa Walker. Clara Mae was one of their 13 children (Frank, Willie, Eddie, Louida, Pearl, Christel, Eldora, Jake, Ardis, Jyles, Joe, and Rosa Mae). She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepson Gregory and all of her siblings except Ardis.
Clara Mae, a native of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, spent her childhood, adolescence, and high school years on a farm belonging to her parents in Broken Bow. Clara Mae was a student-athlete at Dunbar High School in Broken Bow Oklahoma where she was an all-state member of the girl’s basketball team. Clara absolutely loved school, learning, and basketball. She wanted to continue her education at a HBCU after high school graduation, but other family obligations intervened. She moved to Sacramento, California in 1956 to join siblings who had previously migrated there from Broken Bow.
In 1956, she met the love of her life while out on a weekend drive in Sacramento with her sister, Christell Richards, and brother-in-law, Howard Richards. On October 18, 1956, Clara Mae married Vince Mack of Natchez, Mississippi. They were married for 67 years. Through their Union, they were blessed with two children. She was a loving mother to Cheryl and Vince Charles (wife: Kim Mack). She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Kira and Emilia Mack (wife: Dianna Ziehm). She was a stepmother to Gregory L Dottery (wife: Markisha Dottery), (wife: Gina Dottery mom of Kayla Dottery), (Wife: Paulina Dottery mom of Chandra, Ina and Kendra Dottery). Her husband Vince was a member of the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. He was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base, the family traveled to Okinawa, Japan and Mobile, Alabama over the years when he was stationed there in the Air Force.
In the mid 1960’s the family settled down for good in Sacramento, California, although Vince continued to travel to Viet Nam, Thailand, Germany, and Australia as a part of his Air Force duties. Then, he worked for 21 more years in civil service. All the while, Clara devotedly managed and maintained the family home. She was a devoted foster mother over the span of 20 years (Siblings: Callie and Joseph Webb, Siblings: Elzira Charles and Nicholas Proctor). Clara worked at North Avenue Elementary School as a teacher’s aide.
She enjoyed sewing and was an avid gardener. Her “green thumb” was legendary. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She was a stellar dominoes and bid whist player (Especially when partnered with her sister Rosa Mae). Clara Mae loved sports and especially basketball. She enjoyed watching NBA basketball (specifically the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors). She also enjoyed watching WNBA basketball (specifically the Sacramento Monarchs). She held season tickets and attended Cal Berkeley Women’s basketball home games to support her niece Brittany Shine.
Clara Mae loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age as a member of Colbert Chapel in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
In Sacramento, she was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for 2 years. In May 1986, she moved her membership to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and became very active in the church. At Macedonia, she was a member of both the deaconess and mother’s boards. Clara sang in both the senior choir and the women’s choir. She also served on the mission board and was V.P. of Dorcas circle. She was church treasurer for 10 years, and a baptism coordinator for female church members. She enjoyed attending Sunday school and bible study.
Clara Mae was truly a blessing to all those she touched. She leaves to cherish her fond memories, daughter Cheryl; Son Vince Charles (Kim); granddaughters Kira and Emilia Mack; Step granddaughters Chandra Dottery, Ina Dottery, Kendra Dottery and Kayla Dottery and one brother Ardis; with a host of relatives and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of CLARA?
What’s a lesson you learned from CLARA?
Share a story where CLARA's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with CLARA you’ll never forget.
How did CLARA make you smile?
