Uncrowned Community Builders

Clara Brooks Daniels was born in Reidsville, Georgia on December 4, 1918 to the late Willie Brooks & Sally Singleton. Clara relocated with her parents to Niagara Falls, New York as a young girl and was educated in the Niagara Falls School System. Clara met and married the love of her life, John Daniels and to this union eight children were born.

Clara received Christ at an early age and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Niagara Falls, NY, until she and her husband relocated to Buffalo, NY and joined the Walls Memorial AME Zion Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend James. T. Hemphill. Mother Daniels served as President of the Deaconess Board and Stewardess Board, was a member of the Senior Choir, a member of the Mass Choir (under the pastorate of the Late Reverend Rudolph L. Wells); member of the Pastor's Aide Society; Willing Worker's Club and New Horizon's Club. She catered many Christian affairs including conferences.

Clara's love for people, service and food led her to a lifelong commitment to her community. She worked as a Supervisor and Cook at the Rosa Copeland Jewish Home and Infirmary, A short Order Cook and Caterer for various establishments including the Jefferson Grill and private families. Clara was an entrepreneur. She owned and operated Clara's Barbecue Takeout. She was famous for her barbecue sauce, peach cobbler and coconut layer cake. Clara was one of many vendors on Jefferson Avenue during the first years of Juneteenth.

Clara was the proud mother of two daughters, four sons, 26 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.