Clara M. McMichael, faithful servant of the Lord

OLEAN — Clara M. McMichael, 83, a longtime resident of Olean, passed away with her loving family by her side Wednesday (Oct. 15, 2025) in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo.

Born Thursday, May 28, 1942, in Covert, she was a daughter of Ellis and Louise Wilkins Williammee. On Aug. 2, 1959, in Valois, she married James C. McMichael, who survives.

Clara was a graduate of Interlaken High School in Interlaken.

She held multiple administrative positions at Cornell University in Ithaca and later was employed at Mercy Hospital in Auburn. Clara retired from Olean General Hospital in Olean, where she was a benefit coordinator.

After retiring, she kept busy by working at the Olean YMCA in daycare and had also worked in human resources administration.

A very faithful person, Clara was a longtime member of the Ceres United Methodist Church in Ceres. She was a member of the Olean Creative Writer’s group.

Her greatest love was her family, for whom she continuously and faithfully prayed daily. She will be fondly remembered for stating to each family member and friend, “you are the favorite, you are “the FAV.”

She was loved by her husband, Jim; their children; and their over 60 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was the glue that held the family together; she was an encourager to family and friends. She released a positive attitude to all she encountered.  If you wanted to try new things, she would weigh the pros and cons with you, and encourage you to make your own decision.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 66 years, Jim McMichael; and their five children, Linda L. Hamill, Bonnie S. (Michael) Bost, Jim (Vikki) McMichael, Andrew (Amber) McMichael and Ronald (Jen) McMichael. She leaves behind over 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandsons; and a great-great-granddaughter due in April.  Also surviving are two sisters, Ann Eiches and Geri McFall; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Clara was predeceased by two brothers, Glenn and William Williammee.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 18, 2025) in the Ceres United Methodist Church, Ceres, where a celebration of life will follow at 11 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Becky Edwards, pastor of the Reynoldsville First Methodist Church, Reynoldsville, Pa., officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Clara’s name may be made to Gideon’s International at www.apps.gideons.org; or to the Kevin Guest House at www.kevinguesthouse.com.

Clara’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Clara, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.