Mrs. Clara L. (Billins) Brooks Liggins

UTICA - Mrs. Clara Lee (Billins) Brooks Liggins, 86, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 with her family by her side. Born on April 15, 1935 in Unadilla, Georgia, Clara was the daughter of the late Lonnie and Hazel (Washington) Billins. She completed her education in Utica after relocating with her family at the age of 10. Clara’s culinary skills and love of preparing meals found her working as a cook at Broadacres Nursing Home before retiring after 35 years. Finding retirement too tame for her, Clara returned to the kitchen for the next 10 years as the head cook at Loretto Nursing Center before ending her working career at the age of 80 with the Utica City School District. Clara was a classy dresser who enjoyed reading, listening to music, traveling, and visiting the casino. But more than anything, she loved preparing meals for and spending time with her family. Clara loved the Lord and was an active and devoted member of St. Paul’s Church serving faithfully for over 70 years. A treasured matriarch, Clara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin whose generous and loving spirit will be missed by many. Her beautiful life will be forever honored and cherished in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Clara leaves to honor her memory, her husband John Liggins Sr. with whom she had a beautiful and fulfilling life, as well as her 11 children, Valerie Bennett (David), Margaret Lilley, Joyce Enoch (Ervin), Clareitha Titus (Richard), Russell Brooks, Timothy Brooks, Donna Brooks (Anthony), Jackie Brooks (Cynthia), Mark Brooks, James Brooks (Alsarina), and Eric Brooks. Clara also leaves to fulfill and continue her legacy 37 grandkids, 69 great-grandkids, and 22 great-great-grandkids all of whom she really enjoyed spending time with while telling them stories about their family’s history. She also leaves her step-children, Rosi Liggins Jones, Pam Liggins, and John Liggins Jr. who she has always cherished as her own, all of Freemont, Ohio. In addition, she leaves to cherish her memory her 11 brothers and sisters, Dorothy Brown, Willie Billins, Leroy Billins, Betty Stokes, Wilson Billins, Donald Billins, Stanley Billins, Molly Simms, Clifford Billins, David Billins and Michael Billins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and goddaughter Shena Billins-Patterson. Clara was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Lonnie Billins Jr, Jackie Billins, and Richard Billins; grandson, Aaron Brooks; granddaughter, Clara Gayle Brooks; great-grandsons, Dana Jermaine Wilson, and Xavier Michael Harris; step-daughter, Katherine Scott; and son-in-law, Thomas Lilley, Sr. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Tanya Nicholas, close family friend and health care aide. Thank you to MVHS at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and the ICU Nurses for their compassionate care. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St., Utica with funeral service to follow immediately after visitation. Face masks are required and all COVID protocols will be observed.

Mrs. Clara L. (Billins) Brooks Liggins

April 15, 1935 - June 8, 2021