Clarice Williemae Andrews Christian

CLARICE was born to the late Rena T. and William Andrews on the Southside of Richmond, Virginia. She was reared in a loving Christian home and was dedicated to Christ as an infant. In her early teens, she joined William Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (presently Broomfield) and accepted Christ as her personal savior.

Clarice was a member of the Mattie E. Coleman Missionary Circle for youth and served as a junior usher. During her adult life, she was a member of the Board of Stewards, Board of Christian Education, and the Missionary Board. She was very supportive of her church and willingly helped in any way she could.

She attended Richmond public schools and graduated from Armstrong High School, June 1954. She matriculated through Virginia State College, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She proudly earned her Master of Education Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Clarice was employed in the Chesterfield County public school system for 37 years in a variety of positions that included: classroom teacher, resource teacher, studio teacher for WCVE Channel 23, where she taught math lessons to 1st grade students via television, Assistant Principal, Central Office Supervisor, and Principal of Reams Road and Ettrick Elementary schools.

After retiring, she supervised student teachers for Virginia Commonwealth and Old Dominion Universities. Her educational involvements continued as she participated on a variety of committees pertaining to children and education.

Clarice enjoyed traveling around the world and made it a point to do so frequently. Second to traveling, nothing pleased her more than to be in the company of family and friends, socializing, and enjoying a good meal with much fun and laughter. She was a gregarious person who truly loved people. She enjoyed volunteering at the Central Virginia Food Bank and at the Hospital Hospitality House here in the city.

She served two terms on the Governor’s Commission for the Status of Women in Virginia and as Board Chairman and Vice Chairman of Bainbridge-Blackwell Community Development Corporation. She was a life member of both the Chesterfield Co. Retired Teachers Association and Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Association. She held membership in the National Association of Elementary Principals, both national and local chapters. Clarice was an active member of Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. where she held offices, served on committees, and was a life member.

Fond and lasting memories will be cherished by her loving son, Neil, and granddaughters, Sheneil R. and Lauren T. Christian, who were the “apples of her eye.” Clarice will be remembered by her only brother, Pernell Andrews, and his children, and a host of other relatives, especially Frances Eagleton and Julia Spears, whom she spent time with often.