2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Clara Louise (nee Goldsmith) Darby, born on January 19th, 1929, in Birmingham, AL to George and Earline Goldsmith Knox, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on December 24, 2023. She was the cherished eldest among her 12 siblings. Clara’s upbringing centered around a profound love for God, and she embraced Christianity at a young age.

At 18, she entered holy matrimony with Rev. Willie Hayes Darby. In 1948, due to career opportunities, they relocated to Ohio, settling in Twinsburg. Together, they nurtured nine children under the guiding principles of love and faith.

Clara’s children, Elzenia, Robert Sylvester, Michael, Mary Louise, Gabriel Bernard, Willie George, Patricia Diane, Earline, and Jeanette Delores were instilled with values that led them to pursue diverse professional journeys.

All four sons and one daughter served in the U.S. military, with Robert and Gabriel choosing military careers. Michael, a talented actor and entrepreneur, left a lasting impact on the entertainment and business realms.

Elzenia, a professional chef, pioneered the first African American catering business in Cleveland, achieving milestones such as catering Mayor Carl B. Stokes’ inaugural dinner. Mary excelled academically, earning a BSN and Master’s degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University.

George pursued engineering at NASA Glenn Research after his military service, while Patricia Diane and Earline became educators. Jeanette chose the path of entrepreneurship.

Mother and Rev. Darby were also blessed with a large family—21 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Devoted to her faith, Mother Darby was a lifelong member of The Church of God in Christ. She was highly honored and respected for her role as a District Missionary in the Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Her extensive service encompassed diverse responsibilities, including serving as a Sunday school teacher, President of the YWCC, Trustee at Rescue Temple Church of God in Christ, and fulfilling the role of a church Mother at her local church New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. These various roles underscored her fervent dedication to imparting the teachings of God and leading souls to Christ.

Her educational journey began in Birmingham, and she later attended Cuyahoga Community College, excelling in her favorite subjects—Math and English.

For more than seven decades, Mother Darby demonstrated an impeccable work ethic. Her impactful contributions included nurturing over 30 foster children, working with institutions such as St. Luke’s Hospital, Benjamin Rose Institute, Aurora City School District, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Additionally, she dedicated nearly two decades of her life to serving as a private caretaker.

She excelled as an entrepreneur, finding success in ventures such as Clara’s Pies, a real estate investor, and Darby’s Antiques. Established in the 1960s, Darby’s Antiques specialized in colonial and frontier-era items, showcasing her thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

A well-traveled soul, Mother Darby cherished memories of family trips to Alabama, California, Disney World, Wyoming, and beyond. She also loved traveling to her District, State, and National church conventions. Her life was a testament to God’s love, grace, and mercy.

In the spirit of Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” we celebrate Clara Louise Darby’s life—a devoted servant whose legacy echoes the divine grace that followed her throughout her earthly journey.

Mother Clara Louise Darby leaves to cherish her memory; her loving and devoted children: Sgt. Robert Sylvester Darby of San Antonio, Texas; Mary Louise Darby of Twinsburg, Ohio; Patricia Diane Marbury (Felix) of Twinsburg, Ohio; Jeanette Delores Owens of Atlanta, Georgia; along with bonus daughters Mihui Ochsenbein and Valerie Calloway, and her goddaughter LaDonna Paul. Frederick Lee Barkley, Sr., of Twinsburg, Ohio, was a dear son-in-law who shared in her family’s love.

Mother Darby’s siblings, Sarah Lee, Velma Joe Cannon, Eddie Gardner (Joyce), Christine Ingram, James Gardner (Joyce), Geraldine Gardner, Elaine Malone, and Otto Gardner, Jr., mourn the loss of their treasured sister. Charlene Robinson, a cherished aunt, joins 21 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and 10 great- great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and members of her church family in remembering her.

Mother Darby is preceded in eternal rest by her parents, George and Earline Goldsmith Knox, and her devoted husband, Rev. Willie Hayes Darby. She is also remembered for the loss of her dear children: Elzenia Jones, Michael Darby, Gabriel Bernard Darby, Willie George Darby, and Dr. Earline Darby-Barkley; son-in-law: Isadore Owens, Jr., as well as her grandchildren: Jimmie Jr., Chyll Lore’, Tracy Denise, and Michelle Leigh. Siblings George, Earl, Mack, and Theodis Knox also preceded her in death.

“May the works I’ve done, speak for me.”