Notes:

Clara Bell Mathis Fryer was born on June 29, 1930, to the parentage of Edward and Tiny Polk Mathis, in Gonzales County, Texas. She was the oldest of seven children born to this union. She grew up in the Elm Slough Community and confessed to Christ at an early age by becoming a member of Evans Chapel United Methodist Church. She later moved her membership to Henson Chapel UMC, where she remained a faithful member throughout her lifetime. Clara was a willing worker for the Lord and served the church in many capacities which included; Sunday School Superintendent, United Methodist Women, Communion Steward, Youth Coordinator, Founder of Four Seasons Tea, Education Committee and Hospitality Committee, Clara was a graduate of Edwards High School in Gonzales. After high school, she continued to pursue her education by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Huston Tillotson College and began her teaching career at age 19 in rural Gonzales County. She received a Master's of Education degree from Prairie View A&M University. She became the "Homemaking Teacher" at Edwards High School. As an accomplished seamstress, she taught her students basic and advanced sewing and the culinary arts. Also, she taught at Gonzales High School, where she retired after over 40 years in the teaching profession. In 1955, she was united in holy matrimony to Lawrence Winston Fryer. To this union three lovely children were born, Lawrence Jr., Andre and Iberia. Clara was a devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and a friend to everyone. Being a woman of great strength and integrity, she touched many lives with her generosity, acts of kindness, and her genuine affection for others. She was a member of several professional and civic affiliations including the Texas State Teachers' Association, the Progressive Club, where she was serving as president; Heroines of Jericho Lodge, Most Ancient Matron, Edwards Alumni Association, Charter Board Member; Retired Teachers' Association, Gonzales Chapter; Garden Club, Old Timers Club, Huston Tillitson Alumni Association, Prairie View A&M Alumni Association, Waelder Lions Club, Waelder Livestock Association, National Homemaking Association and Waelder FFA, Honorary Member. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Walter Mathis, Noble Mathis, Ross Mathis and Edward (Son) Mathis; three sisters, Josie Stevens, Bessie Randle Wallace and Franner (Sugar) Brasfield; special in-laws, Brack and Bessie Fryer, Lacy, Sr. and Carolyn Fryer. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving a devoted husband, Lawrence Winston Fryer, Sr., of Gonzales; two sons, Lawrence Jr., Lieutenant Colonel USMC Ret and wife Dr. Cheryl Fryer of Silver Spring, Maryland, Andre Fryer, Major, USA Ret. (Inf. Airborne Ranger) and wife Pamela of San Antonio; one daughter, Iberia Fryer Smith and husband Benny of Orange; seven grandchildren, Adriene La Trice Steen, Tamika Fryer, Benny Smith Jr., Winston Brack Fryer, Andrew Lawrence Smith, Lawrence W. Fryer, III, and Clara Arianna Fryer; two step-grandchildren, Marcus and Julian; two sisters, Florence and husband Frank Fryer Sr., of Gonzales, Willie Mae and husband Dr. Norman Dyer, Sr., of Dallas; two brothers, Elias Sr. and wife Magalene Mathis of San Antonio and Topsy Mathis of Fort Worth; five sister-in-laws, Gracie Mathis of San Antonio, Dorothy Mathis of Fort Worth, Joycesteen Ruffin of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cloteal and husband Floyd Lott of Runge and Bobbie Fryer Courett of Houston; one aunt, Verna Polk of Houston; 17 nieces, 18 nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. A wake was held Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Henson Chapel United Methodist Church from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services were held Sunday, August 8, 2004 at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Marilyn Rice and Rev. Johnny Toy, officiating. Burial followed at the Elm Slough Cemetery. Pallbearers were Frank Fryer Jr., Norman Dyer Jr., William Brasfield Jr., Corey Mathis, Topsy Green, Joe Edward Mathis, Carl Holmes, Lacy Fryer Jr., Earl Lott, Topsy Lynn Mathis and Derrick Todd Courett. Honorary pallbearers were George Mathis Sr., Irvin Randle, Warren Dell Green, Dr. Norman Dyer, Darren Nelson, Sam Clack, Jesse Tanner, Norman Randle Jr., David Russell, Huelen Smith Sr., Sidney Thomas, David James Jr., William Brasfield Sr. and Eugene Wilson. Memorials may be made to Henson Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund. Kelley Memorial Funeral Home of Luling was in charge of arrangements

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married POLK, Tiny Naomi about 1929. Tiny was born about 1908 in Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]