Clara Mae Sewell, of Springfield, MO, born August 6, 1942, in Waynesville, MO, was called to her Heavenly home on November 25, 2025. She was surrounded with love by both her given and chosen family at the time of her unexpected passing.

Clara was the beloved daughter of Jessie Stephen Lewis and Edith Rose Crossland. She was one of ten siblings, who lovingly referred to her as “Agnes.” Her older siblings were Dave, J.J., Loyd, Henry, Dorothy “Dot,” and Jim; her younger siblings were Frank, Opal, and Larry. During her childhood, Clara and her family lived in Waynesville, MO, where she graduated from Waynesville High School. Following graduation, she attended beauty school in Rolla, MO. Clara lived with her sister Opal until her first marriage, during which she was blessed with her first son, Timothy “Timm” Warren Wilkerson, on December 29, 1969. A few years later, she welcomed her second son, Scott Edward Wilkerson, on April 10, 1972. Clara later married her second husband, the late Danny Sewell, on October 11, 1987, and through their marriage she gained a third son, Brian Charles Sewell. With plenty of love to give, Clara later raised two grandchildren, Ashley and Danny “Danny Boy.”

Clara worked at Walmart for thirty years before “retiring” to work at Springfield Public Schools for fourteen more years. Never one to sit still, she “retired” a second time only to begin working at the Springfield Cardinals concessions, where she spent the final eight years of her career. Despite her busy schedule, her immediate and honorary children proudly say that Clara never missed a ball game, track meet, or cheer competition. Known to many simply as “Grandma,” Clara made it her mission to ensure her community felt seen and loved. She showed love most often through cooking and baking and was especially known for her baked beans and her famous carrot cake.

Beyond her talents in the kitchen, Clara found joy in practicing the skills she learned in beauty school, fishing, and writing poems. Like many things in Clara’s life, her poetry came from the heart. With a pen in hand, the stories of her life flowed onto the page without hesitation.

Clara taught her family to love each other fiercely, to cherish every moment, to live life to the fullest, to take risks when given the chance, and to walk with the Lord every step of the way. She passed down her love for Disney to her children and grandchildren through many cherished trips to Disney World. Clara dedicated her life to the love of God and to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During her childhood, she was a member of Deerlick Baptist Church in Waynesville. After moving to Springfield, she attended West Division before finally finding her church home at Cherry Street Baptist Church.

Clara was welcomed into the arms of the Lord following the passing of her parents, Jessie and Edith. She was reunited in Heaven with her late siblings Dave, J.J., Lloyd, and Henry; her husband Danny; her son Timm; and her granddaughter Dixie.

Clara will live on in the hearts of her surviving family members. Her lifelong memories will be treasured by her siblings Jim, Frank, Larry, Dorothy, and Opal. Her presence will live on with those who called her Mom and Grandma.

She will be loved and honored by her son Scott Wilkerson and his family, including his wife Kim Wilkerson, her granddaughter Macy Wilkerson, her grandson Harlee Hledik, and Harlee’s fiancée Shelby of Norfolk, NE.

She will be deeply missed by her bonus son Brian Charles Sewell of Springfield, MO, and his family: her grandson Timothy, her granddaughters Hope and Keilee, and her great-grandsons Asher and Colten.

She will be cherished by her granddaughter Ashley Wilkins, Ashley’s husband Gavin Wilkins, and her great-grandsons Alaric and Alastor. Ashley and Gavin are expecting Clara’s great-granddaughter, whom they have lovingly chosen to name Clara Belle in memory of Clara Mae.

She will be adored by her grandson Danny Boy of Springfield, MO. She will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as her closest friends: Geraldine Carsten, Meda Fairharst, Judy-Catherine Wolf, Vicky Eckley, Jimmy Barclay, and Shelly and George Hall.

A funeral to honor and celebrate the life of “Grandma” Clara will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Cherry Street Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. In the words of her granddaughter Ashley: “She was a friend and mother to all, so all are welcome.”