Clara Arnett-Benton

Clara Arnett-Benton was born October 15, 1930, in Early County, Georgia, to the late Richard and Hattie Fudge Bell.  She was a graduate of Union Normal High School in Bainbridge, Georgia.  Also, she graduated Albany State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Tuskegee University with a Master’s Degree in Education.  She was employed for over thirty years by Miller County Board of Education until retirement.

Clara was united in Holy Matrimony to Walter Arnett Jr. in 1949, and to this union two children were born.  After the death of Walter in 1982, she married Hezekiah Benton Sr. in 1985.  This union continued until his death in 2014.

Clara joined Morning Star Freewill Baptist Church at a young age and was a faithful member until her death on April 30, 2022.  She was the Mother of the Church and a Sunday School Teacher.

Additionally, she was a member of the Miller County Retired Teachers Association, Daughters of Colquitt Order of Eastern Star, District Order of Eastern Star and South Georgia/North Florida Singing Convention.  Also, she was a past member of the Miller County Health Board and the Miller County Recreation Board.

Clara leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Shirley Arnett of Colquitt, GA, and Cynthia Arnett of Smyrna, GA; and two granddaughters, Ashley Bokwe (Mac) of Decatur, GA, and Jerri Arnett of Smyrna, GA.  She is survived by two sisters and five brothers: Stella Jones of Colquitt, GA, Sharon Bell of Ft. Myers, FL, Herbert Bell of Thomasville, GA, Armie Bell (Betty) of Brooksville, VA, Thomas Bell (Corene) of Bainbridge, GA, Fred Bell of Albany, GA, and Kenny Bell (Tonya) of Jacksonville, FL; three stepsons and three stepdaughters: Presider Jones (Mattie) of Orlando, FL, Rosie Childs of Warner Robins, GA, Alva Fuller of Ft. Wayne, IN, Thelma Benton of Tampa, FL, Hezekiah Benton Jr. of Stone Mountain, GA, and Arlester Benton (Marilyn) of East Point, GA; two more sisters-in-law, Vera Ellison of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Malinda Bell of Detroit, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister Hattie Williams and brothers Hiram Bell and Simmeon Bell.