A great light has been extinguished and now joins the Cherubim and Seraphim in their unending hymn of praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Clara Jean Sterling Kelley of Gloucester, passed from this life into eternal joy to be with our Lord on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 78. Clara Jean was an effervescent light to all. She was someone you loved being with: the joy, the love, the warmth. She loved Jesus, her church family of Severn, where she was involved in the Joyful Hands ladies’ ministry, and her dog MacGyver. She loved unconditionally and was the best mother and grandmother in the world. A consummate host, wonderful cook, inclusive, compassionate, and lover of life. Her joy and outlook on life were infectious. She delighted in the theater, Broadway, and music. She loved her oldie-goldies and old-time hymns. She was beautiful on the inside and out and loved art, poetry and philosophy. She had several careers, beginning as a stewardess for Eastern Airlines after college and as a Nav-Sea-Systems analyst for the government at her retirement. She cherished her Gloucester High classmates. She loved being on the water, sailing, and being at the beach. She loved unconditionally and treasured time with her dear family and friends, whenever and wherever. She embraced carpe diem and would not rest until everyone had what they needed. She extended southern hospitality to all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lillian Carmine Sterling of Gloucester, and her sister, Peggy Sterling Bryan of Gloucester. She is survived by her son, Scott Hastings Sterling Bryan of Orange County, Calif.; four grandchildren, Julianna, Alexandra, Amelia and Andrew; her brother, Lester Sterling Jr. and sister, Carolyn Sterling Rilee, both of Gloucester, and her precious nieces, nephews, and dear cousins. A Celebration of Life service, conducted by Pastor Andrew Double and Pastor Bill West, will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Severn Church, 9066 Robins Neck Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061. Inurnment will be private. Clara requested that memorial contributions be made to Severn Church, ATTN: Joyful Hands of Severn Church, 9066 Robins Neck Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.