Clara Mae Chappell Dunn, age 96, was born to William Perry Chappell and Maudie Mae Sharit in New Bethel, Alabama. She was the fourth of five children: Robert Aulton, Perry Belton, Mary Sue Hayes, and James Clifton, all now deceased.

Clara married Robert Ross "Bob" Dunn in 1946, and he predeceased her in 1997. They had two children: Wanda Carolyn Dunn Olsen (Denis) and Robert Steven Dunn (deceased). She is survived by two dearly beloved grandsons: Erik Lars Olsen (Andrea) and Gavin Leif Olsen (Lisa), and four great-grandchildren: Samuel Joseph, Abigail Reese, Avery Claire and Emmerson James. She was a good daughter, wife, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

She was a homebody, not looking forward to travels, but was seldom idle as days went by. Clara was a hard-working woman, first as a farm girl, milking cows, preserving fruit and vegetables, and performing household chores. She never backed away from sharing her bounty with others. She was thrifty in all aspects of her life, including sewing most of her clothing. She and Bob had been co-owners of a barbeque restaurant in Mt. Olive while holding down their career jobs.

Because Steve had been born with asthma and allergies, Clara found it necessary to work outside the home to remain current with his medical bills. She was employed by Continental Insurance of North America for more than 25 years. While there she studied several courses and eventually became manager of the Personal Lines Department. Her co-workers became like family to her. After her retirement from Continental, she worked with Dowdle Gas and Warrior Tire where she was affectionately known as "Aunt Clara" to many customers.

When Clara could no longer safely drive, she became a member of the Senior Citizen's Center at Warrior. Along with Wanda, Robbie Long and Al May were her links to restaurants, church and doctor visits. She thoroughly enjoyed playing table games and sharing lunch with all the members. She resided for 4 years at Covenant Place, and then it was for her benefit to move to Covenant Woods in Gardendale.

Bob Dunn was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shriners, elected as Worshipful Master on multiple occasions. Clara became affiliated with the Eastern Star, serving in several offices during those years. She was dedicated to this organization and helped put on many spaghetti suppers. She loved those in membership.

In addition to Steve dying, four nephews predeceased her: Charles Chappell, Earl Dunn, Benny Dunn and Butch Rickels. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, namely Bobby Chappell (Betty), Billy Chappell (Shirley), LaVerne Crane, Gail Mitchell, Donna O'deneal, Perry Belton Chappel, Jr. (Linda), Johnny Dunn (Donna), Regina Krack (Norman), Anita Cupps (honorary daughter), Sharon Steele and Wm. Terry Chappell. There is a host of other relatives and friends.