Clara Hayes Brown

Clara Hayes Brown, 86, formerly of Summerville, SC, loving wife of Thomas Brown, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 in Ave Maria, FL.

Graveside funeral services with full military honors will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 am at Dorchester Memory Gardens, 11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC 29485. Flowers are accepted and Donations can be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society.

Clara was born on May 3, 1939, in Dillon, SC, the daughter of the late Lillie Hayes.  Clara loved playing golf and reading. She loved serving her church at Fellowship Church in Ave Maria, FL.  

Clara served her country honorably in the United States Air Force as a nurse in the Vietnam war and attained the rank of Captain.

In addition to her husband, Tom of Ave Maria, FL, Clara leaves behind her son, Jason T. Smith of Ravenel, SC; daughter, Lawson Hand; Step-children, Tommy C. Brown, Dianne Risch, Sally Huggins, and Susanne Bugbee. She had 11 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren; Clara was predeceased by her mother, Lillie Hayes; Sisters, Agnes Arnette and Ann Hayes; Brothers, Bill Hayes and Doug Hayes.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com.

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