OAKWOOD: Clara Crisp Branham age 96 died 8:04 AM Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Community Health Professionals Hospice, Defiance.
She was born April 20, 1924 to James and Lavilla Delong in Davisport, Kentucky. On October 29, 1945 she married Aubrey Crisp who preceded her in death on October 30,1971. She then married Estil Branham who preceded her in death on April 2, 1983.
Clara was raised on a large self-supporting farm during the depression. She had 8 siblings, but due to deaths in the families, her parents raised another 14 orphan children. With feeding the family, and farmhands on the farm, she was known for her cooking abilities. She was also known for her prowess with horses, as that was her favorite form of transportation. She would hook up the teams and work the fields much like the Amish do today. There were times they used oxen because of the mountainous terrain in Kentucky. During the war she worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a “Rosy the Riveter”. She was very proud of being able to help America during it’s time of need and was very patriotic because so many of her loved ones were being drafted to fight for America’s Freedoms.
In 1985 Clara retired from Campbell Soup Company after 30 years of service. She was a resident of Paulding County for 53 years; and a member of Pleasantview Missionary Church, Junction. Clara accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was 15 years old. She served the Lord faithfully for over 80 years. She used every opportunity to encourage others to receive the Lord Jesus into their hearts and to know His Love for them. Her favorite activity was going to church, singing, and telling others of her love for Jesus. Her many tales of danger and lore have entertained numerous people, especially her grandchildren. Because her life impacted so many, her legacy will not die for many years to come.
Surviving are her son, James Aubrey (Julie) Crisp of Tennessee; daughters, Henrietta Crisp Yoder, and Thelma Crisp (Bud) Hunter both of Oakwood; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Friend of Goodrich, MI.
She is also preceded in death by her son, Eddie Dean Crisp; sisters, Mary Jane Crisp, Alice Ramey, Loretta Branham; Deloris Seals and Angie Harless; and brothers, Bill Delong, Tucker Delong and Eddie Delong.
Funeral services will be 2PM Monday, August 10, 2020 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. She will be laid to rest in Hedges Cemetery, Paulding County.
Visitation will be 11 AM until time of services on Monday. By the order from the Governor, masks and social distancing are required in the funeral home.
Friends and family are encouraged to share fond memories at www.denherderfh.com
