Clara M. Canty was born on February 6, 1938 in Gibson, North Carolina, to Leroy and Rebecca Hickmon. She moved to Paterson, New Jersey, where she met Jarrett Canty. They were later married, giving birth to Ruth, Judy, Clara and Michael.

During her time in New Jersey, she attended Gilmare Memorial Tabernacle Church under the late Sr. Allene Gilmare. She served on the Usher Board, nurses unit. She was a missionary and prayer warrior.

She visited other churched where she met Nathaniel Brown, Jr., and they fell in love. They got married and he would call her his "Pumpkin".

As time went on, Nathaniel became an assistant pastor at Walking In The Ward Ministry Church, Haledon, whereby she served by his side.

She loved jewelry and shopping at flea markets.

Proceeded in death was Nathaniel Brown, Jr.; sisters, Mary Gass, Lucille Hollowman; brother, Leroy Hickmon; son Michael Canty and daughter, Judy Hoffman.

She leaves daughters, Ruth Redmond and her husband Charles and Clara Canty of New Jersey. Her grandchildren, Tasha, Capri, Sadiki, Tenneil, Candace, Charles, Jr., and Christopher.

She leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grands and many friends.

Services were private under the direction of Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton.