Clara Mae Holland

Clara Mae (Stinson) Holland, age 94, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at Maple Knoll Nursing Home in Springdale, Ohio. She was born on November 2, 1931, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Roger and Opal C. (Wells) Stinson.

Clara Mae was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 49 years, Lasaunders Holland, Sr., her brothers, Roger and Raymond Stinson, and her son, Lasaunders Holland, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Saundra (William) Phoenix of Xenia, Ohio; Opal (Calis) Johnson, Jr. of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Curtis (Karen) Holland of Wisconsin. She is also survived by her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who lovingly called her Mama Mae; grandchildren, Heather Holland of Dayton, Ohio; William R. Phoenix, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; Calis E. Johnson, III of Kansas; and Leslie A. Holland of Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Alexis Phoenix, Evan Schroeder, Sage Schroeder, and Tajaha Phoenix; along with nieces, nephews, other family members, and special friends.

Clara's greatest joy was praising her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and sharing her faith and love of God with her children. She made sure they attended Sunday School and church and taught them by example the importance of loving others through both words and deeds.

Clara Mae had a heart for serving others. She nursed sick friends and neighbors, visited people in nursing homes, and would sing songs to brighten their days. She sent birthday cards, called church members and others to sing "Happy Birthday," and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She also volunteered with her sons Boy Scout troop, sang in the church choir, worked at the polls, and went door to door collecting donations for charitable causes.

Clara Mae was a faithful and devoted member of the United African Methodist Episcopal Church (United AME) for 80 years. Throughout her years of membership, she faithfully served on the Stewardess and Usher Boards and was an active participant in the life and ministry of the church. Her love for God, family, her church, and her community was evident in the way she served others.

Clara Mae loved to sing and dance, had a green thumb and enjoyed caring for plants and flowers, and loved to dress up and wear beautiful jewelry. She brought joy and warmth to those around her wherever she went. While residing at Maple Knoll, she continued to attend Word of Deliverance Church, remaining connected to her faith and the church community.

Clara Mae attended East High School and later worked at Central State University in the library. She learned to drive when she was almost 40 years of age. Her life was marked by faith, service, love for family, and a genuine concern for others. She will be lovingly remembered for her beautiful spirit, her love of music, her generosity, and the many lives she touched through her kindness.

Her legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who were blessed to know her.