Clara V. Dates

Sylacauga, Alabama - No one epitomized life like Clara Vanessa Dates. She was vibrant, feisty and full of life from her first day to her last. Born to the late Johnny C. Dates and Mae Nix Dates on March 30th, 1955. Clara was the first of 8 in the Dates clan. From day one, she was a force to be reckoned with.

Clara accepted Christ at an early age at Pine Grove Baptist Church.

Clara was educated in the Talladega County School system, graduating from B.B. Comer High School in 1973. After high school Clara became employed by Avondale Mills in Sylacauga Alabama and remained a faithful employee for 20 plus years until retirement.

In earlier years Clara was fondly given the nickname Phooney, and later in life affectionately given the nickname “Bell”. Bell was a great softball player, as a team member of the “Odena Trojans” women’s softball team at left field position.

Bell was loved by many and spending time with loved ones was an essential part of her life. She loved spending quality time with her best friend/mom Mae Dates. One of her favorite past times was visiting with her mom (which she did daily – multiple times a day), whether it was watching one of their favorite shows together “Walker Texas Ranger” or playing dominos. If you were ever looking for Bell and she wasn’t home, she could be found at her mom’s house.

Bell had a love for music and dancing and boy could she dance. She will be remembered by many for carrying the most beautiful deep - dimple smiles ever. A smile that would brighten up any dark room. It could be said that Bell missed her calling because she could have easily been a comedian! Those who knew her can attest to just how funny she was, always laughing and joking and finding something smart or silly to say. Her laugh and smile were infectious, and she brought joy to all those around her. One of her all-time favorite sayings being “Baby Go head on”

On Saturday evening April 19th, 2025, at the age of 70 Ms. Clara “Bell” Dates, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend peacefully embarked on her journey to eternal rest answering the call of her Heavenly Father to her new eternal resting place.

Welcoming her home with outstretched arms was Brother: Johnny “Begood” Dates, Sister: Mae Joyce Dates, Nephew: Brandon Dates, Great Nephew: AJ Borden, and her first born Kelvin “Boo Boo” Dates, Grandmother: Big-Mama Francis Nix.

Left to forever cherish Bell’s loving memories, her loving soul mate (husband) Alvin Smith, loving son – her ‘Stank” Alexander Dates, loving and devoted mother Mae N. Dates, loving bonus children Bronski Wesley, Nikki (Andre) Payne, Alvin Smith Jr, Terrence (Sherry) Smith, Audrey Smith, Daughter in Law Celestra Dates, loving grandchildren, Devin Dates, Da’Kyla Dates, Leah “Dates” Grant, Alexzavn Dates (Tiffini Madden), Andre Payne, Nicholas Payne, Jalen Smith, T’esence Smith, Lauren Smith, Aiden Blanc, Brittany Collins, Sherod Scales, Desmond (Shay) Collins, Qurieton Scales, Jardavus Walker, Vick (Miranda) Collins, Brothers, Edward Dates, James (Farah) Dates, Calvin (Willie Dell) Cook, and Alfred L. Cook, Sisters: Melissa (Benny) Dates, Darlene Dates, Jacqueline Dates, Aunt: Irene Nix. “My Girls Crew” Keisha Dates, Latrice Wells, Keke Harris, Sharon Harris, Jackie Millender, Kenya Harris, Kelly Whetstone, Kathy Harris, Jaleesa Harris and a host of loving nieces, nephews, close family members and friends. All of whom she loved dearly.

No amount of time with her would have been enough for her family, friends and loved ones, and we are all forever grateful for the time that we were blessed with her.

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