Clara Jean Hairston Pinkney was born October 10, 1942. She was one of nine children born to Walter and Alma Hairston in Forsyth County. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 12, 2022.

Clara attended Tuskegee University and completed her undergraduate degree at NC A&T State University. She went on to earn a master's degree in accounting at the University of Wisconsin.

She was predeceased by her parents; and five siblings, Ollie Mays, Doretha Lyons, Nathaniel "Bud" Hairston, Doris Roebuck, and Billy Hairston.

Clara leaves to cherish loving memories her husband of 61 years, Willie L. Pinkney of the home; 2 sons, Dennis Pinkney and Dwayne (Sandra) Pinkney; 5 grandchildren, Jared Pinkney, Kiah Pinkney, Evan Pinkney, Moriah Pinkney, and Addison Pinkney; 1 great-grandchild, Genesis Pinkney; 3 sisters, Anna Horton, Janet (Isaiah) Timberlake, and Helen Horton, all of Winston-Salem; 1 sister-in-law, Yvonne Pinkney; 1 brother-in-law, Milton Pinkney; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends, all of whom will miss her very much.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Friday at the Chapel.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the Russell Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 11:00am.