Clara Olson

Clara Glass Olson, age 97 of Selma, Alabama passed away on November 28, 2021.

Clara was born on August 12, 1924 in Phenix City, Alabama, the daughter of the late Neal and Clara Gates. Clara was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church and she graduated from Central High School, where she lettered in basketball. She then went to the University of Alabama where she got her degree in textile and design. At the University she met her first husband Charles Herman Glass. They were married and lived in Dothan for a short time, and then settled in Selma, Alabama. They were members of the Lutheran church in Selma and later joined First Presbyterian Church. Clara and Charles raised 4 children. She taught art in the Selma City schools for 20 years. She was a very gifted artist, active in the art guild, and her paintings have been shared with many friends and family. Her artwork will continue to be a source of enjoyment for many. She also enjoyed playing bridge and traveling.

Clara considered her life in Selma to be a blessing, with many wonderful friends and family.  After Charles passed away, she married Arthur Ludwig Olson in 1994.She is preceded in death by her first husband Charles Herman Glass, second husband Arthur Ludwig Olson, son Charles David Glass, sisters Olga Brandt, Anna Gates, and Dorothy Gleed.

One of Clara’s favorite joys was her family. The grandchildren called her “Bama” since she was a Bama graduate and fan. She graciously hosted large family gatherings for holidays. Clara is survived by  daughters Brenda Glass Lewis (Larry), Carol Glass Clements (Kevin), Donna Glass Bates (Mickey) and stepchildren Patty Olson Dart (Tom) and James Arthur Olson; grandchildren Elizabeth Zeigler Taylor (Clay), April Zeigler Doggett (Matthew), Reed Zeigler, Bryan Glass, Jordan Glass, Garrett Glass, Laura Bates, Phillip Bates (Lucy); step-grandchildren, Suzanne Dart Booth (Scott), Allison Elizabeth Dart, Brian James Olson, and Sarah States Olson; great grandchildren; Nace , Reed, Josh, Jack, Grayson, and Jordan.

A graveside service will be held at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma at 1:30 PM on Saturday December 4, with Rev. Steve Burton officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing. The funeral service will be livestreamed via the funeral home’s Facebook page, at http//watchLawrence.live. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (301 Broad St. Selma, AL 36701) or Cedar Hill Assisted Living (1300 Old Orrville Rd., Selma, AL.36701).