Clara Catherine Shanks Proctor, age 101, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 8, 2021 in Houston, TX. She was born October 23, 1920 in Annapolis, IL the daughter of Homer Shanks and Myrtie Jane Chapman Shanks. On February 8, 1953 she married Gerald Eugene “Gene” Proctor. He passed away on September 4, 2002.
Survivors include her daughter, Jeanette Lynne Bottom (Robert) of Houston, TX; brother, Lee Duane Shanks of Nash, TX; sisters Helen Irene Bush of Poplar Bluff, MO, Lois Estella Birmingham of Turlock, CA; granddaughters, Lydia Jean Bottom of Los Angeles, CA, Hannah Isabel Barber (Donald) of Citra, FL, Elizabeth Ann Ajanel (Jesse) of Houston, TX and Joy Catherine Bottom of Houston, TX; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Amelia and Micah Ajanel and Verity, Donald and Robert Barber.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings, Cleda Crystal Shanks Adkisson (Eugene), Noble Earl Shanks (Gladys), Don Eugene Shanks (Mary) and Marjorie Jean Shanks Thompson (Henry).
Clara was a graduate of Casey Township High School, earned her undergrad degree at Bob Jones College in 1949, and then received her master’s degree in Education from East Texas State University in 1972. She was a private kindergarten teacher, substitute teacher, junior high school teacher, leader in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for some years, and homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidery, traveling, and in later years, playing with her great grandchildren. Clara was a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church of Houston.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Markwell Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service on Thursday at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL. Per CDC Guidelines indoor masks and face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status in the facility. Attendees should also practice social distancing.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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