Essie Mae Clear Memorial Program

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Essie Mae Clear was born June 1, 1932 in Vance Mississippi to Polly Ann and Merritt Davis. Essie gave her life to Christ at the age of 11. She received her education from the Mississippi public school system. Essie had 9 siblings, Clara, Leon, Corinthia, Lazarus, Glotha, David, Josephine, Albert, (all who preceded her in death), and one living brother, Davis William of Caruthersville, Mo. 

Essie married James L. Miller Sr. (who preceded her in death) in 1947.  To this union, she bore five children, four boys, and one girl. She later moved to Chicago and married William Clear (who preceded her in death), to this union, six children were born, two boys, four girls and one stepson. 

Essie was a member at Galilee MBC and Mt. Zion MBC in Tutwiler Mississippi, she was a member of the Usher Board. After moving to Chicago, Essie joined Rising Sun MBC under the leadership of the late Rev. W.A. Kelley. Later she transferred her membership to Inspirational M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Moore. There she served faithfully on the Usher Board. She later returned to Rising Sun MBC under the leadership of her son, Rev. Matthew L, Miller. She served as an Usher and on the Mother’s Board. She was a faithful and obedient servant of GOD. She attended Bible class, every church outing, and Sunday school every week. She diligently worked on her bible class and Sunday school assignments. Dear would share her wisdom with the younger church members and her family. 

Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesian 4:32- “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” 

Essie worked for DeMet’s Turtle Candy and was an entrepreneur.  She had a cleaning service, and was a great beautician known for pressing hair. Essie’s greatest joy was being a mother to her children and many other children in the community. She had a big loving heart for all those she encountered. 

Dear promoted education she would tell us “Listen and Learn” every morning before we went to school. She witnessed her sons and youngest daughter graduate from college as well as several grandchildren. She celebrated their achievements from graduations, her eldest son becoming a doctor, three sons Pastors, and two sons commissioned military officers (Colonel and Lieutenant Commander). 

Dear volunteered at Thomas A. Hendrick School where she was an active member of PTA, and the Community Advisory Board. She loved attending her sons and grandsons’ high school and college football games, of course she was the loudest cheerleader in the stands. Dear was a “World” traveler visiting cities throughout Germany, France, Great Britain (United Kingdom), and the U.S..

Essie leaves to cherish her memory her children Dr. James Miller (Olivia), Rev. Johnny L. Miller (Gynetta), Rev. Leon Miller (Patricia), Rev. Matthew L. Miller (Pam), Katie Miller, Donald Mattox (Tanya), Vivian Clear, Col. Samuel Clear, Michelle Williams (Jerry), LCDR William Clear (Regina), and Marcise Clear. One daughter Stephanie Clear preceded her in death. Essie leaves 35 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; 2 great-grandchildren preceded her in death. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services Entrusted to:
Fountain Jordan Shepard Funeral Home
418 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60644
(773) 261-0680

Graphic Design & Printing Entrusted to:
SSMedia7 :: Graphic Design & Print Studio
5853 W Madison St | Chicago, Illinois 60644
708-398-3232