Clara Elizabeth Starks Connor, 90, was born in Iredell County, on October 16, 1934, to the late William Cartell Starks and Zette Mae Reid Starks. Clara passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at her residence in Troutman, N.C., following a lengthy illness. Her husband, Rudolph Connor; stepson, Robert Calton Robertson; one son, Maurice Saddler; and one son-in-law, Calvin Robertson, preceded her in death.

Clara attended Zion Wesley AME Zion Church in Troutman, N.C., where she served faithfully on the usher board, choir member, lay council, and honorary deaconess. She worked for Troutman Shirt Industries for several years, and retired from Romac Metals in Troutman, N.C. She was an awesome mother, grandmother, stepmother, and aunt. Clara will truly be missed.

She leaves to cherish the memories of her life one son, Bishop Michael Saddler (Pearl); four daughters, Barbara Ann Saddler, Teverious Starks Robertson, Stephanie Starks, and Carmen Lineberger; two sisters, Mary Starks and Dorothy Ijames; special granddaughter, Latasha Starks; her caregiver; grand children; fifteen great grandchildren; great great grandchildren; two special friends, Gwen Spann (Cale), and Della Davidson Norman; other nephews, nieces, cousins, church members, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Wesley AME Zion Church in Troutman, N.C., on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Reverend Bobbi Samuels will deliver the eulogy, and Reverend David Smalls will officiate. Burial will follow in the Zion Wesley AME Zion Cemetery.

Visit the book of memories for Clara Starks Connor at www.rutledgeandbighamfuneralhome.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the Connor family.