Ms. Clara T. Reedy

Ms. Clara T. Reedy, 70, of Peoria, IL passed away peacefully at 5:30 AM on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Clara was born on May 30, 1948 in Greenwood, Mississippi to Marie Reedy and James Applin. She moved to Peoria, IL in 1964 and was raised by her aunt, Lizzie Randle. Clara received her early education in Greenwood, Mississippi and Manuel High School in Peoria, Illinois, graduating in 1968. Clara attended Illinois Central College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Child Development in May 1980. She was employed at St. Patrick’s Childcare Center as a Preschool Teacher from 1980-1994. Clara joined the staff of the Tri-County Urban League’s Parent-Child Education Center on August 22, 1994 as a Teacher. Over the years, Clara was versatile and worked in all three classrooms, teaching Infants, Toddlers and Preschool children. She has provided intensive, comprehensive, integrated support to children ages six weeks to five years of age, to enhance their intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Clara was an excellent, caring teacher and provided needed supportive services to parents and other family members to enhance their economic and social self-sufficiency. She has provided instruction in Reading, Math, Language Development, Large and Small Motor Skills, Creative Development, Health and Nutrition, Physical Development, Social Skills and Safety. Clara also held certifications in First Aid, the Food Service Sanitation Manager and Handler certifications, CPR and she was a 6 Sigma Yellow Belt. She also completed numerous training workshops, classes and seminars through Childcare Connection, Preschool for All, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Gateway. Clara provided a strong educational foundation for numerous children over the years. Without her strong dedication to preschool education, many young people would not have entered kindergarten at grade level, ready to learn. She was a dedicated teacher who served as strong mentor to her co-workers and will be dearly missed by the Urban League Parent-Child Education Center family. Clara leaves to cherish her most precious memories two loving and devoted children, Gaithan Reedy, Sr., of Peoria and Alisha Reedy of Hoschton, GA; four grandchildren, Stetson, Karla, Gaithan, Jr., and A’staja; two great grandchildren, DJ Martin and Isaiah Martin; a half-sister, Rosie Davis and two nieces, a nephew and, a host of cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Earline and Ola Mae Hudson and her aunt, Lizzie Randle. Clara was a faithful member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served on the Usher Board and the Fannie J. Coppin Women’s Missionary Society. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 30, 2018 at Ward Chapel A.M.E Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Assistant Pastor Arthur S. Williams, Sr., will officiate and bring the eulogy. Clara will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Ms. Clara T. Reedy

May 30, 1948 - July 18, 2018