Clara Hollins

Clara Hollins was born February 1, 1923 in Vaughan, Mississippi to the late Lilbert and Mary W. (Green) Hollins. Clara also known as Big Mama transitioned from this earthly life on August 25, 2017 at 3:02 pm at the age of 94 in the presence of her loved ones. Earlier in her life she worked at the Army Navel Hospital in Oakland, California and she also worked at the Pullman Co. in San Francisco. She completed High School at Saint Industrial School in Mississippi. She was a former member of Plainville CME Church in Mississippi where she was baptized at an early age. She moved to Freeport in 1959. Clara loved children and worked at Taylor Park School assisting in the classroom. She also loved sewing, arts and crafts and writing plays. She was a people person and just loved people in general. Clara worked at Burgess Battery Co. for 13 years and at Micro Switch for 9 years until her retirement in 1988. Clara was a faithful member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served faithfully on the Stewardess Board and made the bread for the Holy Communion Service. She was also a member of the Missionary Society. Clara leaves to cherish her memory, seven children, Shirley (Michael) Boggess of Freeport, IL., Shu Tehu (Donnie Lee) (Susan) Whitley Ra, Rockford, IL., Matthew Whitley, Willie Hollins, Rockford, IL., Walter(Janet) Hollins, Freeport, IL., Marlee (James ) Canada, Freeport, IL., and Chester Hollins of Freeport, IL. Special daughters, Annie Thomas, Roseann Kennedy, Sharon Nixon and Joyce Robinson. Three sisters, Marzilla (Albert) O'Neal, Parthenia(Harvey) Williams, Elezia Euells. Two brothers Lilbert (Buddy) Hollins, David Hollins of St. Louis, Mo. Special sister Nannie Edison and a host of Nieces and Nephews who she loved deep and dearly. Grandchildren; DaWayne Hollins, Antwain (Kim) Hollins, Jarvis Hollins, Odessa(John) Walker, Marshall Hollins, Antonio Hollins, Ian Hollins, Demetrius Hollins, Vale Thomas, Menthu Ra, Jacan Hollins, Wesley Canada, Ryan Webb, Spencer Harris. Great Grandchildren; Dallas Marcum, Adryanna Pempilton, Alyxzandrya Pempliton, Armond Hollins, Ja`mil Brown, Josiah Walker, Reann Hollins, Jasmine Williams, Javon Hollins, Jeremiah (Jackson)Hollins, Jamir Hollins, Akira Hollins, Melikah Hollins, Mercedes Hollins, Kaydyn Ellis, Yazmeen Hollins, Camyelle Hollins Jeremiah Hollins, Sarah Thomas, Samantha Thomas, Jaheim Thomas. Great, Great Grandchilren; Amena Plunkett, Siennah Plunkett, Autaya Plunkett, Esmerala Hollins-Pilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, Mary (Maceo) Whisenton, Shirley (Robert) Euells, Marlee(Lewis) Henderson, and 3 brothers Eddie, AJ, George(Magnolia) and Chester(Linda) Hollins. One granddaughter Kasia Whitley. Funeral services will be held at St. James CME Church on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 11:00 am. Visitation 9:00 am until 10:30 am. Interment will be at City Cemetery. Please sign Clara's guestbook at www.burketubbs.com