Clara Inez Morgan

Clara Inez (Jones) Morgan, age 92, passed on Monday, September 23, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was born on December 16, 1931, to Joseph Walter Jones and Laura Lucille Doss, in Macon County, Tennessee, the eldest of four daughters and three sons.

Clara grew up on a farm where chores and hard work were the norm, but when Clara was almost four years old, she and her parents moved to Plant City, Florida, where they lived for two years before back to a Sumner County, Tennessee farm. During this time, Clara learned her way around a kitchen and became an excellent cook like her mother. Perhaps her most admired dish was her sage cornbread dressing, which was a staple at special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her recipe has been documented for future generations to enjoy.

Clara was in her early teens when she was saved by God’s grace during a Vacation Bible School held at a rural Missionary Baptist Church in Sumner County. When she was 19 years old, she moved to Indianapolis and lived with her Grandpa & Grandma Doss. It was here that she landed her first job, making television tubes on a production line at RCA. Her next job was at Western Electric, where telephones were the primary product. While employed there, Clara was selected by her coworkers to represent their department in a company-wide contest. When the whole plant had voted, Clara was crowned the “Hello Charley” girl for 1956 at a gala event held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. In her capacity as “Queen”, she attended various functions and speaking engagements, representing the company. Along with having her portrait painted by a renowned artist/photographer, she received a beautiful, engraved brooch.

Clara married Paul Powell Morgan on August 24, 1951, after having dated for a year. They had 40 years together before he passed on October 25, 1991. Their love produced one daughter, Lisa Ann, who was born on June 20, 1965.

A few years later, on July 20, 1970, Clara and Paul were baptized into the fellowship of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where she has held continuous membership for the last 54 years.

Clara loved gardening, music, springtime, and time with her family. She especially enjoyed summer trips to her brother’s mountain cabin in North Carolina, where she and her siblings would gather for a few days of vacation. In 2022, Clara’s autobiography was published by StoryWorth, and is now a treasured keepsake.

Clara is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Moran; grandson, Andrew (Lyndee) Moran; granddaughter, Morgan (Andy) Mitchell; great-granddaughter, Maeve Eleanor; and great-grandson Ellis Lee. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, Richard (Sharon) Jones; sister, Glenda White; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Morgan; her brothers, Gene and Billy Jones; and by sisters, Peggy Bernardi and Joann Long.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 11 am – 1 pm with funeral services following at 1 pm. Elder Jeff Moran and Elder Billy Moran will preside. She will be interred at Washington Park East Cemetery to await the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.