Ms. Clara June Crosby

Clara June Crosby was born March 26, 1942 in what is now Flowood, MS. Her parents, John Enoch and Clara Mae Crosby, welcomed her as the tenth of eleven siblings. Clara spoke fondly and frequently of experiences with her parents and siblings, from her childhood years up to the memories she was still making even as her health declined. Clara was a devoted Christian, an ardent follower and student of the faith, constantly studying her Bible and engaging in faith conversations with others. She became a joint heir with Christ when she was very young and belonged to Sweet Water Missionary Baptist Church for the entirety of her life. Clara used her vast biblical knowledge to nurture the minds of young Christians through her instruction as a Sunday school, Bible class, and new membership course instructor. Over the years, she also served as choir president, assistant Sunday school superintendent, and a delegate of the National Baptist Convention. Clara graduated from Carter High School then matriculated through Jackson State University for bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in early childhood and special education. She retired from the State of Mississippi after a long career in educational development, then continued her love for education by spending 18 years as a substitute teacher in the Pearl School District, where she was affectionately known as “Mama Crosby”. Clara’s spirit of compassion and service was evidenced by the life she lived, particularly through her long-time memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, Heroines of Jericho, Lady Knights, and Noble Court #3 in Jackson, MS. Clara’s hobbies included sewing, jewelry-making, and traveling. She greatly enjoyed visiting with and talking on the phone with family and friends. Her favorite pastime might have been shopping, because everyone knows Clara loved getting dressed up in a sharp, coordinated outfit, with the shoes, an elaborate hat to match, and her “pocketbook” (what she would refer to as “my trunk and my tray”). Her sense of humor and immaculate one-liners will be missed the most. She was the funniest, kindest, and most giving person that many would ever have the pleasure of knowing. Her parents, John and Clara Crosby; brothers, John Crosby, Jr. and James Crosby, Sr.; and sisters, Laura Mae Crosby, Beulah Mae Crosby, Willie Mae Dobson, Claudia Ruth Smith, Bobbie Jean Love, and Gloria Jean Crosby preceded her reception into the loving arms of her God. Those who remain to honor her tremendous legacy are her five children: Dawn Crosby, Debbie (Tommie) Washington, Deron Harmon, Delisa Crosby, and Shundra Wilson; four grandchildren: Ryan (Ebony) Crosby, Erica Crosby, Jordan Crosby, and Brookelyn Johnson; four great-grandchildren: Jaylen Williams, Te’Kyiera Crosby, Ty’Von Steele, and O’Rian Crosby; two sisters: Patricia Ann Rancifer and Yvonne Caston; and one sister-in-law: Willie Kincaid Crosby. She also leaves one very special friend or, as Ms. Clara would say, “my good friend Johnnie Thompson.” The impact of this loss will also be felt by a community of church members, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ms. Clara June Crosby

March 26, 1942 - July 17, 2024