Clara was born on September 24, 1912, in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, to Howard and Ala Cummings Byam. She was raised in Sioux Rapids and graduated from Sioux Rapids High School. In 1938 she graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics Education. Following her education she was a Home Demonstration Agent in Western Iowa. On December 15, 1940, she was married to George Alwin Brown in Ames, Iowa. The couple operated a farm south of Grinnell. They also worked in partnership for the Cedar Valley Farm Business Association for 26 years. In February of 1993 she moved to the Mayflower Homes in Grinnell. Clara was an active member of the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Grinnell where she worked diligently in the 1950s to raise funds to build the current church facility. She also served on various church committees and was a member of the Poweshiek County 4-H Board. She served as a 4-H leader to the Grant Girls Group and was a judge for surrounding clubs and county fairs. Clara was a member of Chapter JB, PEO and taught adult education courses in sewing and tailoring. Her hobbies included playing bridge, reading, sewing, quilting, embroidery and conversations with friends. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Nancy Wolff, Greg (Dee Cafcules) Brown and Doug Brown, all of the Grinnell and Diane (Paul) Harrington of Mount Vernon, Iowa; six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Judith Kay Brown; one great grandson, Liam Nosek; one sister, Mae Davis; and one brother, P.L. Byam. Memorials may be directed to either Grinnell Regional Hospice or to the Mayflower Homes Human Needs Fund.