On August 8, 1939, in Opelousas, Louisiana, Clara was born to the late Lena Sam Batiste and Milton Batiste, Sr. Clara was the fifth child of fourteen children.

Clara attended public school at Plaisance High School. She accepted Christ at an early age, and united with Mohorn Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. S.A. Crowder.

Clara attended Grambling State University for four years. After four years at Grambling, she graduated and was the basketball coach at George Washington Carver High School in Sunset, Louisiana.

Then she met the love of her life Otis, better known as “Romeo”. To this union, no children were born. However, they cared for other children as though they were their own. She would take them home with her on the weekends, take them to the movies, shopping, and allowed them to get whatever they needed for school.

She later joined Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Terry K. Anderson. She remained a faithful member there until the failing of her health.

She was employed at several H.I.S.D schools, namely Pleasant, Douglas, R.P. Harris, and retired from Hobby Elementary after 35 years of teaching.

Clara enjoyed playing bingo, cards, going to the casino, attending sporting events, and keeping scores for the Houston Rockets. She kept score for the Rockets from 2000 until she passed.

Preceding her in death is her loving husband, Otis Bell, Parents: Milton Batiste, Sr. and Lena Sam Batiste; Four Brothers: Felton Batiste, Felmon Batiste, Milton Batiste, Jr., and Joshua Batiste; Fours Sisters: Rosa Lee Chenier, Ella Bridges, Ora Leday, and Fannie Edwards, and Goddaughter: Rosalind Edwards.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Sylvia Jones, Elizabeth Edwards, Gilda Evans, Ida B. Brown, and Barbara Price (Delbert); Godson: Kenneth Chenier, and a host of nieces and nephews.