Clairice Evelyn Woods was born February 10, 1925, in Caruthersville, MO to the union of Pearl Littlejohn Crump and Henry Woods, Sr.  She grew up in Memphis, TN and attended Manassas High School.  She had seven siblings whom all preceded her in death.

Clairice was blessed with Melvin Odell Woods, her only child.  He lovingly called her MaDear and Pearl. 

In 1946, Clairice Evelyn relocated to Davenport, Iowa.  She married the late James Christopher.  On February 4, 1956, she was united in marriage to the late Ulysses S. Walker.  The two were inseparable for nearly 66 years. 

In 1966, Clairice became a charter member of Progressive Baptist Church, where she was the oldest member at her time of death.  Clairice was a Mother of the church. She worked in the Kitchen, Enlighteners, and Pastor Selection auxiliaries as well as sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. 

Clairice, spelled with two I’s, was a classic lady and lived a vibrant and stress-free life as she had the ability to just let things “roll off.”  She had a sense of humor and connected well with many people, whom over time referred to her as “grandmother.”  Her favorite color was pink. 

She worked at the Rock Island Arsenal, Procurement Dept., retiring in 1985 as a Chief Supervisor after 31 years of service.  She was also the Vice President of UW Production for 29 years showcasing talented musicians including Tina Turner, James Brown, BB King, The Temptations, Lawrence Welk Band and The Spinners to name a few. 

Clairice was a charter member for over 50 years of Adah Chapter No. 10 Rock Island IL, including past Worthy Matron (Eureka Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star - State of Illinois PHA); charter member of the Tri-Cities Assembly No. 53 Order of the Golden Circle, including past Loyal Lady Ruler and past State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler of the Illinois Grand Assembly; and charter member of Masqat Court No. 167 of Rock Island, Illinois, including past Illustrious Commandress. She was a dues paying member up until her time of death. 

Clairice was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 1482 of Blue Grass, Iowa since 1954 where she served as President, County President, Secretary and Treasurer, Quad-Cities Senior Olympics, and the Active Club of the Martin Luther King Center. 

After retiring from the Arsenal, Clairice volunteered at Genesis Medical Center as well as the Quad-Cities Times conducting private tours. 

Clairice Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Ulysses Walker; parents, Pearl Littlejohn Crump and Henry Woods, Sr.; brothers, Elmo Crump, Henry Woods, Jr., Robert Lee Woods, Rudolph Crump, Sr. and Willard Crump; sisters, Dorothy (Woods) Terrell and Francis (Crump) Brown. 

Just 82 days shy of 100 years of earthly life, Clairice leaves to cherish her loving memory son, Melvin Odell (Rosie) Woods, Milan, IL; stepsons, Arnold and Melvin Walker, Davenport, IA; granddaughter, Denisa (Kevin) McReynolds, O’Fallon, IL parents of great-granddaughter Kyla McReynolds and her four-legged great-granddaughter, Sparkle; step-grandson, Carey (Sheri) Robinson, Laguna Niguel, CA, parents of great-grandchildren Mia Nicole and Dante Robinson; sister-in-law, Margaret Woods; goddaughter, Belita Harris; special cousin, Merlyn Polite; a host of nieces, nephews and friends; and Grandma Walker’s many adopted grandkids. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Progressive Baptist Church, Davenport, IA

Live streaming of Clairice Walker’s Celebration of Life can be found on the Progressive Baptist Church, Davenport, IA Facebook page.