Clara M. Thomas
June 12, 1947 ~ October 15, 2016
Clara M. Smith was born in San Antonio, TX on June 12, 1947 to Comido L. Smith, Sr. and Essie V. Smith. Clara accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. She attended San Antonio public schools and was a proud member of the 1965 class of Phyllis Wheatly High. Clara briefly attended St. Phillip's Community College. She worked at USAA for more than 30 years before retiring.
Clara later rejoined the workforce at her leisure as executive assistant to Carolyn Health, executive director of Antioch Community Transformation Network. In 2006, God placed Clara at Shekinah Charter School where she befriended Lilly Robertson. Clara soon left and began working for the now Mayor Ivy Taylor, during her reign as District 2 councilwoman.
Although small in stature, Clara had commanding presence. She reigned as matriarch of the Smith Klan after the death of her mother and father in 1977 and 1978. She has often said, "My brothers and sisters are my best friends" and "My children are my greatest blessings. As a single parent she was an inspiration to many.
Clara peacefully departed this life on Saturday October 15, 2016. Clara is preceded in death by both of her parents, Comido L. Smith, Sr. and Essie V. Smith, her siblings Arlene "Pee-Wee" Thomas and Jesse W. Wells. She leaves to cherish her memories her first born Donald L. Amires (Cynthia), only beloved daughter Deitra D. Thomas Smith (Cornell) and baby boy Damon A. Thomas (Larissa); Grandchildren Tiara L. and Chaise J. Amires, Bethany C. Smith, Lauryn A. White and London E. and Lailah E. Thomas; Great Grands Taniya D. Amires and Jordan L. Burks; Sisters, Carolyn B. Anderson (Will) and Joann Hill (John); brothers Comido L. Smith, Jr. (Elerene), Godfrey W. Smith (Sherice) and Michael A. Smith (Darlene); Aunts Doreatha Cashaw and Barbara Smith; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and extended family Cannon, Jackson, Miller and Williams;
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Clara M. Smith Thomas, remember "To God be the Glory!"
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I will TRULY miss our Saturday morning family chats. Your laughter & smile will always remain with me.Love, Harold
I am sadden by the news of your passing dear lady but may you RIH and thank you for your wisdom and your smile.
My condolence to the family and may God guide and comfort you. She was indeed a very Special Lady and it was a pleasure to have worked with her at USAA and to have shared some fun and laughter.
My prayers are with Clara’s family and others who love her and will miss her. You have my sympathy. I worked with Clara at USAA so many years ago. She was a pleasure to work with, and I recall all the good times. Clara would make me laugh with her quick wit. I’ll remember her always. Blessed be God!
Our condolences to the Clara Smith Family, may God extend to you great strength… May God continue to bless this beautiful family, with his love, his peace and his understanding. Our prayers are with you… Pamela Jackson and Montrice Freeman-Waiters…
MAY GOD BLESS THE SMITH FAMILY.GOD BE WITH YOU… WILL keep you in my PRAYS. Hang in there DEITRA..KEEP THE FAITH. YOUR TRULY BEVERLY WILLIAMS/ JEWEL G WATSON.
My condolences to Clara Smith’s Family. May God comfort you at this time of need. I had the pleasure of working with Clara at USAA and will always remember her beautiful smile.
My heart was saddened to hear the news of Clara’s passing. She was a beautiful lady inside and out with a beautiful smile, a lady that was always dressed impeccably. Many of us knew Clara through our many, many years of working at USAA. My condolences to Clara’s family. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help at all times.
Sending my condolences to the Thomas family. May God welcome Clara M. Thomas with open arms…
Tiffany E Matthews-Robinson
My sincere condolences to the Thomas family, I worked with Clara at USAA and even though I never met Deitra, Donald or Damon personally I feel that I watched them grow up. Clara often spoke to me about her love for them. It is because of her wit and fun nature that her memory will forever remain in my heart. She now rests in peace with another co-worker and dear friend Richard, oh boy (I say that in a very loving way of course as I hear Clara’s laughter). Love and blessings to the family and May the Perpetual light shine upon her.
We will miss you!
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND KEEP IN PRAYERS YOU WILL BE MISSED
My sincere condolences to the Thomas Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To the Thomas family—Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Ms. Thomas meant the world to our family. She had the ability to leave a positive impact on everyone that she came in contact with. We are grateful to have known her. She will be sorely missed. God bless you all. Sincerely, Derrick and Kerry Armstead
Our prayers are with you may God continue keep and strengthen you.
I worked with Clara at USAA for a very long time. I was so sad to hear when she had gotten ill. She had such a great laugh. When I spoke to her, she was very optimistic. I loved her dearly and will miss her. My prayers are with the family. She is now with the Master in Heaven.
My sincerest condolences to Deitra, Donald and Damon. Clara was my manager many years ago at USAA when I was just 18. She taught me so much and always spoke of her children. She was tough, kind, nurturing and understanding all at the same time. All attributes of a great manager and great mother. I am grateful to have known her.
Class of 1965, Phillis Wheatley High School
Clara . . . A faithful daughter . . . A loving mother . . . A passionate
sister . . . A cherished friend; and a dedicated Love and Follower of
Christ. A life well lived . . . Her legacy and presence will long live on.