Clara Mae Fricks

CLARA MAE FRICKS, 86, Freeport, IL, departed this life Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Born March 14, 1939, in Okolona, Arkansas, the daughter of Romie Wiley, Sr. and Hazel Rae Payne. On May 27, 1957, Clara married Oradell Fricks in Flint, MI.

Clara was a full-time stay-at-home mom. She loved cooking and baking. It was not unusual for her to cook turkey and dressing in July at the request of family members. Clara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was affectionately known to many as “Aunt Clara Mae” and “Grandma”. During her later years in life, she enjoyed spending time with her oldest sister (Charlene) painting each other’s nails. Clara was a God-fearing woman who was a long-time member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (Freeport, IL) until she became ill.

Clara leaves to cherish: daughters; Una R Shorter (Herbert) and Bridgette V Fricks; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; Sister, Charlene Sims (Flint, MI); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Predeceased by her parents; husband; daughter, Vivian Gaye Wilkerson-Chess; granddaughter, Katisha Gaye Wilkerson; brother, Romie Wiley, Jr.; and sister, Olene Harrington.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday December 20, 2025 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 North Walnut Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032.  A visitaiton will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Clara will be laid to rest next to her husband at Freeport City Cemetery.