Clara Sedonia (Lockley) Vango

Clara Sedonia Vango was born on January 5, 1942, to the late Pearl Lee (Pollard) Lockley.  She was later adopted and raised by her step-father the late Samuel Lewis Lockley.

At an early age, Clara accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and was a faithful member of St. Luke Baptist Church.  In the latter part of her life, she became a member of Faith Landmark ministries where she was active in the Usher’s ministry, which she truly loved.

She received her early education at George W. Watkins School; graduating in the class of 1960.  During her tenure there, she was active in the 4-H club, athletic association, school paper staff, yearbook staff, dramatic club, a class officer, choir, and was crowned the 1959 Miss Watkins. She continued her education at Virginia State University for a short period and received an associate's degree from Rappahannock Community College.

On January 10, 1964, Clara and the late Leon David Obediah Gresham, Sr. was united in holy matrimony.  This union was blessed with four children. 

Clara loved children and in her early years of employment, she operated Little Folks Inc., a local kindergarten at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. This kindergarten was for children in the local community because she wanted to make sure young black children could be confident in who they were and love themselves. This really brought her joy and made her proud.  She continued to aid in education at King and Queen Central High School and West Point Elementary. Later, she was employed by the Williamsburg Pottery, the Williamsburg Regional Library, and Rappahannock Community College.

Clara was a dedicated mother and grandmother.  She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories her son Leon David Obediah Gresham, Jr. (Phyllis); daughters, Catherine Gresham Lemons,  Allison Pearlette Archer, and Alissa Lee Gresham; a loving aunt, Juanita Pollard; grandchildren, Morgan Lemons, Courtney Carter, Eriq Lemons, Ciara Watson, Lee Miles, Khalil Lemons, Xavier Lemons, Tatyana Gresham, Jonathan Miles Jr.,  Joshua Lemons, Martin Archer II,  Caleb Douglas, and Noah Archer; great-grandchildren, Alana, Demitri, Nile,  Karter, Kennedy, and Kai; brother, Dwayne Lockley; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and numerous friends.

Ms. Vango may be viewed from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, in St. Luke Baptist Church, Plum Point.  A graveside committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church cemetery.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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