She was a mother to many
By Steve Herring
Published in News on January 4, 2017 1:00 PM
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Clara Price
MOUNT OLIVE -- Clara S. Price had three children of her own, but was also a mother for the generations of local children who attended her Tiny Tots Nursery and Preschool.
Mrs. Price died Wednesday, Dec. 28, at home surrounded by her family.
She was 82.
The Rev. Barry Stallings, who now lives near Pikeville, was one of the many children influenced by Mrs. Price.
"Mrs. Clara was one of the sweetest and sincerest ladies I have ever known," he said. "Back in the late 1990s I had not seen her in years, and she approached me and told me how much she loved my TV show 'Together Again with Barry Stallings' on what is now WHFL-TV 43.
"She also told me how proud she was of me for following God's call, and that I was one of two of her former students who had been called into ministry. It was a blessing because it was like having your Mom's approval to have your kindergarten teacher tell you that."
Stallings said he has many good memories of his time at Tiny Tot Nursery and Preschool.
"I enjoyed it all except when Mrs. Price made us take naps," he said. "I think I was the only one in class who buried my face in my cot and never went to sleep.
"We also had some great field trips if I remember right -- once to the dairy in Goldsboro and once to the bread company."
As a young woman, Mrs. Price dreamed of working with children before opening her own day care business in her home in March 1963.
She operated Tiny Tot Nursery and Preschool for more than 51 years before closing in 2014.
In 1976, she and her husband, the late Hubert Price Sr., decided to expand the business to the Duplin County area.
She operated Lee Ann Carole Playschool in Faison for several years.
Christy Malpass Bennett of Seven Springs has fond memories of Mrs. Price and her time at the day care.
"She was a special lady that meant so much to so many people over the years," she said. "I went to her day care for a short time when I was a child, and my daughter, MaryRaven went when she was little.
"It's so sad to think that the last few years of her life she may not have remembered just how many little hearts have ever loved her. At least she remembers now."
Mrs. Price was active in the day care profession and her community.
She was a charter member of the Mount Olive Business and Professional Women's Club and was honored as its Woman of the Year in 1990.
"I admired how she was so professional," said Dr. Barbara Kornegay, who was in BPW with Mrs. Price. "Well, she was a pioneer in the day care business in this region, and we in BPW admired her initiative and dedication to what is best for young children.
"Clara was also a supporter of our scholarship program which was dedicated to women returning to college later in life to enter business and education professions."
She had also served on the board of directors of the Wayne County Partnership for Children and was a member of the Wayne County Daycare Association.
Mrs. Price was a longtime member of Mount Olive Presbyterian Church where she attended the Mixed Adult Sunday school class for many years until her health declined.
She was also involved with the Presbyterian Women.
The family received friends last Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home. At other times, friends and family are welcome at the family home, 312 N. Church St.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Mount Olive Presbyterian Church. Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome and memorials may be made to N.C. Alzheimer's Association, c/o Carol Lancaster, 302 Saddlewood Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534; Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 158, Mount Olive, N.C., 28365; or Partnership for Children of Wayne County, 800 N. William St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530; or any charity to benefit a child.