Clara Estella Roberta Johnson was the daughter of LaWanda Page, the famous actress who played Aunt Esther on the hit sitcom “Sanford and Son”. She was also an evangelist who devoted her life to spreading the gospel. She died on June 4, 2006, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of faith and love. But what was the cause of her death? And how did her mother cope with losing her only child?
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Clara’s Early Life and Career
Clara was born on March 24, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to John Peal and Alberta Richmond. She was the only child of her parents, who divorced when she was young. She moved to Los Angeles with her mother, who remarried to William Page, a chef and caterer. Clara grew up in a loving and supportive environment, surrounded by her mother’s friends from the entertainment industry, such as Redd Foxx, who played Fred Sanford on “Sanford and Son” and was a childhood friend of LaWanda.
Clara followed her mother’s footsteps and pursued a career in show business. She appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as “The Redd Foxx Show”, “227”, “Friday”, and “Family Matters”. She also worked as a model and a dancer. However, she found her true calling in ministry. She became an ordained evangelist and founded the Clara E. Johnson Evangelistic Association, a non-profit organization that aimed to spread the word of God through crusades, revivals, seminars, workshops, and radio broadcasts. She traveled across the country and abroad to preach the gospel and help people in need.
Clara’s Death and Its Impact on LaWanda
Clara died on June 4, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. The cause of her death was not publicly disclosed, but according to some sources, she suffered from a long-term illness. She was buried at the Inglewood Park Cemetery, next to her mother, who had passed away four years earlier.
LaWanda Page died on September 14, 2002, at the age of 81, from complications of diabetes. She had been diagnosed with the disease in 1998 and had undergone several surgeries and treatments. She was hospitalized for the last time in August 2002 and remained in a coma until her death.
LaWanda loved her daughter dearly and was very proud of her achievements. She once said: “She’s my only child and I thank God for her every day. She’s a blessing to me and to many others” according to AmoMama. She also supported her daughter’s ministry and often attended her events. She said: “I’m not as religious as she is, but I believe in God and I respect what she does. She’s doing a great job” according to AmoMama.
Losing her daughter was one of the hardest things LaWanda had to face in her life. She said: “It’s very painful to lose a child. It’s like losing a part of yourself. You never get over it. You just learn to live with it” according to AmoMama. She also said: “I miss her so much. I talk to her every day. I know she’s in heaven with God and she’s happy. But I wish I could see her again” according to AmoMama.
Clara’s Legacy and Memory
Clara Estella Roberta Johnson left behind a legacy of faith and love that touched many lives. She was remembered as a devoted daughter, a loving mother, a loyal friend, a talented performer, and a passionate evangelist. She was also remembered as a generous and compassionate person who helped many people in need through her ministry.
She is survived by her husband, James Johnson, whom she married in 1957; her son, James Johnson Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Angela Johnson; her grandchildren, James III, Jasmine, Jada, and Jalen; and many other relatives and friends.
She is also honored by the Clara E. Johnson Evangelistic Association, which continues to carry out her mission of spreading the gospel and helping people in need. The organization has established several projects in her memory, such as the Clara E. Johnson Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students who want to pursue higher education; the Clara E. Johnson Food Pantry, which distributes food to low-income families; and the Clara E. Johnson Medical Clinic, which offers free health care services to uninsured people.
Clara Estella Roberta Johnson was a remarkable woman who lived a full and meaningful life. She was a daughter and a mother who gave and received love. She was a star who shone bright on the screen and on the pulpit. She was a servant who followed God’s will and touched many souls. She was a blessing to many and will never be forgotten.
