Mrs. Clairese Lacefield

Mrs. Clairese Lacefield was born on September 9th, 1931, to the union of Louis E. Mitchell and Bessie Mae Mitchell in Curtis, Arkansas. She was born fifth of seven children. Clairese grew up in Curtis, Arkansas. As an adolescent, Clairese attended Peake High school in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Shortly after graduating high school in 1950, Clairese migrated to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she met the love of her life, George Otis Lacefield. On September 22nd, 1951, George and Clairese united in Holy matrimony in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Together, their union was blessed with four children. In search of employment and a better life, George and Clairese moved their family from Hot Springs, Arkansas to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Once settled, in 1958 Clairese joined Mount Zion Baptist Church where she took an active role in the church. Eager to do the lords work, she served as an usher during service and member of the Altar Guild. Full of ambition and determination, Clairese attained her degree in nursing from the Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1964. Shortly thereafter, she accepted her first nursing position at Deaconess Hospital, which merged into what we know today as Aurora Sinai Samaritan Medical Center. Clairese was a caring, loving person. She took a great sense of dignity, grace, and pride in providing exceptional patient care to all in need. As a nurse, Clairese decided to volunteer her craft and expertise, while at church. After Sunday services she provided health screenings, took blood pressures and administered flu shots to other members of the church, that were interested. She was an advocate in promoting good health while keeping her community healthy. In 1970, in addition to being a nurse, Clairese joined the sorority, Gamma Phi Delta. She enjoyed organizing, planning, and partaking in special events with her sorority sisters. Clairese was so fierce and phenomenal, that one might call her a “Diva”. In her spare time, when she was not at work or at a sorority event, she tirelessly dedicated herself to spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren-who also referred to her, “Ma” or “Mama”. In November of 1998, after almost four decades of magnificent service as a nurse, Clairese decided to hang up her stethoscope and retire. Full of spirit, she enjoyed traveling with her husband to visit family and friends. Clairese was one for fashion. She had impeccable style and taste in both dressing and decorating. Last but not least, Clairese loved working in her garden planting flowers and growing fresh produce to use in her rich, savory dishes. She took great pleasure in preparing culinary delights for her family. Many friends would also come around to savor the soul enriching specialties as well! - You just had to be there. In the early 2000’s, after the passing of her beloved husband, George, Clairese decided to return to nursing. She took a part-time position in various hospital and nursing home settings, traveling from place to place, caring and comforting the sick and dying. After several years of traveling, and caring for others, Clairese decided to hang up her stethoscope for good due to her own decline in health. In the last four years of her life, her loving, devoted daughter, Stephanie, has been by her side, caring for her at home. On March 21, 2025, at 5:19 a.m., in the comfort of her home, Clairese transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior as her eldest daughter and eldest son were at her bedside. She is preceded in death by her parents (Louis and Bessie Mae), siblings (Alfred, RuthAnn, Alee, Henry, Mary,and Moses) and husband (George). She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, as well as to cherish her memory, her two Daughters, Stephanie Elaine and Chandra Gale and two Sons, Gregory Alan (Elke) and Kenneth Daryl (Juanita); nine grandchildren, a host of great- grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; along with many loving relatives; very kind neighbors, and many dear friends.

Mrs. Clairese Lacefield

September 9, 1931 - March 21, 2025