Clara Belle Toliver

Clara Belle Smith Toliver, 95, of Rotan passed away on July 7, 2025. She will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Belvieu Cemetery.

Clara Belle was born June 1, 1930 in Winters, Texas to the late Sol and Lee Smith. She had a twin sister, Lilly Belle Smith. She attended school along with her siblings. At a very young age, she went to work chopping cotton with her family. Clara married A.C. (Pete) Toliver on October 5, 1946 in Waxahachie, Texas. Twelve years later they started their family. Glenn Toliver was her first born son, followed by Shirlene Kay, David, Gordon Scott, and Debbie. Debbie was her baby and her best friend.

Clara was a member of Church of God In Christ. She loved reading her Bible every day. Her faith was strong, and she and Debbie memorized scripture together. Her favorite verse was John 4:1.

Clara’s husband, Pete passed away on December 15,1973 leaving her widowed at age 43 to raise her children alone. With grace from her Lord, she was able to take care of her children while working to clean houses, chop cotton, and working for H.L. Davis and Company.

She was an excellent cook. Clara’s fried chicken was simply the best. She loved everyone and did not see color. She loved making clothes for Debbie and her babydolls. She enjoyed working in her yard, cooking for her family, and reading mystery books. Clara loved being a mother to her children and to many other that lovingly called her “Momma”. Her memory was sharp and she loved recalling stories of her childhood. This is a poem from her childhood: “Peep Peep, I am a brand new chick. Soft and yellow down a feather. Give me some food. Be quick.”

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Sol and Lee Smith; husband, Pete Toliver; daughter, Shirlene Kay Laughlin; brothers, Warren Smith, Soloman Price Smith, Cecil Smith, Lawrence Pete Lott; sisters, Lilly Belle Smith, Alma Pearl Smith, and Rosie Lee Jefferson.

She is survived by her children, Glenn Toliver, David Toliver, Scott Toliver, and Debbie Toliver; granddaughter, Govahnna; great grandson, Amari; sister, Loma Gene Smith; special people, Teresa, Alba, Tom and Kaye Carter, and Harrison Bencomo; many nieces and nephews that she dearly loved; Genice Woodson and daughter Alma Pearl, and Bobby Joe and wife who come to visit her faithfully.