"Well done my good and faithful servant…" Matthew 25:23

~Her Beginnings ~

On the fragrant sun-kissed summer morning of Friday, August 15, 2025 before the midday hour, our hearts were deeply saddened when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in His infinite wisdom, quietly called His beloved daughter, Mrs. Clara E. Lanier Thweatt, home to eternal rest.

On May 3, 1933, Clara, the second oldest of five children was born to the late William and Lula Beatrice Artis Lanier of Southampton, Virginia. The family moved to Disputanta, Virginia during Clara's early childhood years. There she attended elementary school and later graduated from Disputanta Training School.

Clara had an adventurous spirit and she enjoyed life. As a young military spouse, she lived in California where her oldest son was born, but returned to Prince George, following her husband's initial assignment. Over the years, she and her former husband, Herbert Thweatt, Sr. were the blessed parents of five children, Herbert, Jr., Glenn, Michelle, Michael and Vonda. Clara was a loving mother and delighted in her children.

She peacefully departed this life at Riverview on the Appomattox Health & Rehabilitation Center, Hopewell, Virginia to join Her heavenly Father;  son, Herbert Thweatt, Jr.; two siblings, Julia Octavia Nelson (middle sister) and Claudia Celester Thweatt (oldest sister).

~Her Life of Faith ~

Clara became a Christian at an early age and joined Loving Union Baptist Church in Disputanta, Virginia. Later, as a young adult, she joined Union Branch Baptist Church, South Prince George, Virginia and worshipped there faithfully until her health failed. Although she may not have served on numerous committees, her devotion was evident in her consistent attendance, prayers, and willingness to help those in need. Her quiet acts of service and steadfast commitment to her faith were an inspiration to all who knew her.

~Her Professional Journey ~

Clara was a dedicated mother whose children were the heart of her world. She poured her heart into raising her children with love, guidance, and unwavering dedication. Her family was her greatest joy, and ever decision she made was rooted in providing them with a foundation of care, faith, and opportunity.

While devotion in the home, Clara also exemplified perseverance and determination in the work force. She balanced both. Clara was a dedicated employee at Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company from the mid-1970's until the plant closed and moved to Macon, Georgia in 1985. During Clara's latter years of her employment life, she pursued her passion for beauty and creativity by beginning a career as a licensed cosmetologist. With dedication and joy, she served her clients faithfully until her retirement.

~And The Roles Shift ~

Clara expanded her boundaries. Beyond her role within her family, Clara followed her passion and flourished as an apparel entrepreneur. Known for her warmth, kindness, and impeccable sense of style, Clara was a shining presence in the lives of all who knew her. With an innate eye for fashion and a gifted talent for sewing, she shared her gifts with others—pouring her love and creativity into sewing beautiful garments for her family and friends. From dresses for special occasions to everyday touches of care, her stitches carried comfort, beauty, and devotion. She believed that what you wore should reflect who you are—and she had the rare gift of seeing people for not only as they were, but as their best selves. Whether she was tailoring a dress for a cousin's wedding, hemming prom gowns late into the night, or surprising love ones with one-of-a-kind creations, her stitches carried meaning. They said: You are seen. You are loved.

~Her Most Treasured Gift ~

Clara was more than a fashionista—though she had a remarkable eye for style, sewing, and creativity, her true gift was the love and guidance she shared with her family. Affectionately called "Lean," she was not only the mother of her children—but the Second Mom to all her nieces and nephews, offering encouragement, support and unwavering care at every turn. Her presence was a source of comfort and strength, and her love knew no bounds. Her words carried enormous weight. Every conversation with her mattered, every piece of advice treasured. She had a rare ability to make others feel seen and valued, and her wisdom was sought and honored by all knew her. She mattered deeply, and she made sure those around her knew they mattered too.

Lean's heart defined her. She was generous with her time, thoughtful with her words and at times infectiously funny with a great joke, but always steady in her love. Her home was "always open" until her health began to fail--whether you were just stopping by to visit, a nephew in college wanting to live with for a semester, or a great niece needing an extended stay.

Clara Evangeline will be remembered not only as a devoted mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, but as a cherished friend, mentor, and confidante. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and love will forever live in our hearts and in the countless lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us in person, her laughter, love, and gentle presence will forever remain in our hearts. Clara Evangeline we will love and miss you always!

~A Family Beloved ~

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Albright and Lula Beatrice Artis Lanier, her former husband, Herbert Thweatt, Sr. , her beloved son, Herbert Thweatt, Jr.; devoted sisters: Julia Octavia Lanier Nelson, (her husband Donald also deceased), and Claudia Celester Lanier Thweatt (her husband Aarow also decreased).

She leaves to cherish her memory children: Glenn Everett Thweatt of Huntsville, Alabama; Michelle Thweatt Ledbetter of Petersburg, Virginia; Michael Anthony Thweatt of Palm Bay, Floridia; Dr. Vonda J. Thweatt of Emporia, Virginia; grandchildren: Ann Thweatt Takabe (Sakae) of Tokyo, Japan; William Herbert Thweatt of Paris, France; Elizabeth Marvis Thweatt of Paris, France; Miriam Simone Thweatt of Ethiopia; Jennifer Brianna Ledbetter of Petersburg, Virginia, Zachary Kahlil Thweatt of Huntsville, Alabama, Ariel Thweatt Jagaselvan (Daniel)of Alpharetta, Georgia; Jamie Alexis Stith of Petersburg, Virginia; her siblings: William Albright Lanier, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas; Mary Lanier Wimbush (her husband James also deceased) of Petersburg, Virginia; and numerous devoted nieces and nephews, a host of relatives, and caring friends.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Union Branch Baptist Church, 3356 Union Branch Road, South Prince George, VA, the Rev. Dr. Archie German, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.