Clara M. Sosebee

Clara M. Sosebee age 85 of Clermont ended her earthly journey quietly and peacefully at the beautiful home she loved for many years on Wednesday March 09, 2016 following an extended illness.

                She waged a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer’s with grace and dignity a testament to the rich and colorful life she lived for most of her 85 years with her devoted late husband, Bill Sosebee, and her close knit family and many friends. Clara and Bill spent many happy summers charting the warm clear waters of Lake Lanier on their Houseboat, Summer Breeze. Clara’s love of sewing, gardening, and decorating was evident in several homes she shared with Bill around Gainesville and Lake Lanier, all of which featured her own hand sewn curtains in a rich assortment of colorful stylish fabrics. Her flowers were the most beautiful flowers anywhere around. Clara had a deep of love of all animals, especially her many precious dogs, which she thought of as her babies. Her yorkie, Ginger, was with her until the very end. 

                Clara was born in Gilmer County to the late Robert and Cleo Mooney in 1930. She was a member of Juno Baptist Church in Dawsonville from childhood. She graduated from Oakwood High School shortly before marrying Fondren Reed, with whom she had 5 children, Denny, Gary, Sherri, Richard, and Kim. Denny was killed in a car accident as a young man while home on leave from the United States Navy. She worked professionally as an Office Manager for several local auto dealerships before retiring from Jim Ellis Volkswagen in 1980.

                Clara is survived by her 4 children, Sherri (Stan) Gabriel of Clermont, Gary Reed of Biloxi, MS, Richard Reed of Clermont, and Kim Marchese of Gainesville. Also surviving are grandchildren, Stacey, Shelley, Seth, Slade, McKenzie, Kyle, Chad, and Linsey. In addition are 6 great-grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Clara’s surviving siblings are, Ermel (Caroline) Mooney of Flowery Branch, Herman (Aline) Mooney of Martin, Harold (Dorothy) Mooney of Toccoa, Vicki (Jerry) Reeves of Gainesville, and Joanne Casper of East Hall, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

                Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday March 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Milton Harris will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday March 12, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m at the funeral home.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com