Clara Estella Roberta Johnson wasn’t a celebrity by modern standards, but her impact was just as powerful. Born on March 24, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois, she was raised by her parents, John Peal and Alberta Richmond, in a modest but values-driven home. She wasn’t interested in fame or fortune. Instead, she focused on faith, compassion, and making a real difference in people’s lives.
What makes Clara’s story unique isn’t just what she did, but how she did it. Her journey wasn’t about big stages or flashing lights. It was about reaching people where they were, listening, and spreading love through action. From a young age, she showed signs of deep empathy and a quiet strength that would shape her life’s work.
Faith Was Her Foundation
Clara’s childhood home wasn’t just filled with chores and schoolbooks. It was also a place of prayer, values, and unwavering belief. Her mother, Alberta Richmond, was deeply involved in the church, and her cousin, LaWanda Page—yes, the same LaWanda who played Aunt Esther on Sanford and Son—brought a certain flair and fire to the family.
But Clara chose a different path from her more famous relative. She felt her calling wasn’t in front of a camera but behind the pulpit and in front of struggling communities. She believed her voice could serve others in a spiritual way.
She went on to establish the Clara E. Johnson Evangelistic Association, a nonprofit dedicated to outreach through revivals, workshops, and gospel events. Through this organization, she traveled both within the U.S. and abroad, not for leisure but for love of ministry. Her message was simple: hope, healing, and service.
Balancing Home and Ministry
Clara wasn’t just a preacher. She was also a devoted wife and mother. She married James Johnson in 1957 and raised their son, James Jr., with the same care and spiritual grounding she herself had received. Being an evangelist didn’t mean neglecting her home. If anything, she believed her most important ministry started with her family.
She was known for making home feel like a sanctuary. Her grandchildren often remembered her warmth, storytelling, and the calm presence she brought, even in chaotic times.
But her life wasn’t without loss. In 2002, Clara lost her mother, Alberta. It was a painful period. And just four years later, on June 4, 2006, Clara herself passed away after battling a long illness. She was only 69.
Her passing wasn’t just a family loss. It hit entire communities that had felt her presence. Church groups, students she mentored, and even people she barely knew but prayed for all felt the void.
Connection with LaWanda Page
Clara and her mother shared a close bond with LaWanda Page. While LaWanda was known for her comedic wit and TV presence, she held deep spiritual beliefs and loved Clara’s commitment to the ministry. She once said losing Clara was like losing a piece of herself. “It’s very painful to lose a child,” LaWanda had said, a sentiment many could relate to.
Despite their different life paths—Hollywood for LaWanda, ministry for Clara—the two shared a common core: faith and a fierce love for family.
Work That Lives On
Even after her passing, Clara’s work didn’t stop. Her association continues to serve communities through several initiatives:
- Clara E. Johnson Scholarship Fund helps students pursue higher education.
- Clara E. Johnson Food Pantry provides meals to families in need.
- Community health outreach programs, including a free medical clinic, continue to operate in her name.
These programs are not just symbolic. They are active, serving hundreds each year. Her legacy is felt not through statues or books but through warm meals, school scholarships, and words of hope whispered in quiet corners of struggling neighborhoods.
FAQs about Clara Johnson
What inspired Clara Johnson to become an evangelist?
Clara grew up in a faith-filled home and felt a strong spiritual calling early in life. Her desire to serve others through the word of God led her into ministry instead of entertainment, despite having family ties to Hollywood.
Did Clara Johnson have any children?
Yes, she had one son, James Johnson Jr., and was also a grandmother.
What is the Clara E. Johnson Evangelistic Association?
It is a nonprofit founded by Clara to promote spiritual growth and community service through revivals, seminars, and outreach projects.
How is Clara’s legacy being honored today?
Through her scholarship fund, food pantry, and medical clinic, the work she started continues to benefit people in real, tangible ways.
Was Clara related to LaWanda Page?
Yes, Clara was LaWanda Page’s daughter. While LaWanda pursued a career in entertainment, Clara followed a path of ministry and faith.
The Bottom Line
Clara Estella Roberta Johnson wasn’t a household name, but maybe that’s exactly what made her so special. She didn’t chase the spotlight. She chased purpose. She made it her mission to spread kindness and comfort, to lift others up when life pulled them down.
People remember her not just for what she said but for how she made them feel. And long after her voice went silent, her message continues to echo.
Her story reminds us that making a difference doesn’t require fame. It just requires a heart that’s willing to serve.
That’s the kind of legacy Clara left behind—and it still speaks volumes today.