Mrs. Clara Fultz – Living Legacy in 8th District Lay

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Recognized with the Louisiana Conference Lay Blue Carpet Pioneer Award.

​Mrs. Clara Fultz, a native of Tangipahoa, LA, at age 97, is the oldest member of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Greensburg, LA. She was baptized in the Church, accepting the Call to Christian Discipleship just before age 14 years. Her pastor at present is Rev. Troy Grimes. Mrs. Fultz was educated and finished high school at the Tangipahoa Parish Training School and did some work through Grambling State University in Hammond, LA. The training school no longer exists but once served children from LA and MS (a dormitory on campus). Mrs. Fultz has been actively engaged in Christian ministries in the AME Church all her young and adult life. She has served in the Local Church as steward and trustee, in Sunday School as Superintendent and Teacher over 40 years, in the Missionary Society (Life Member since 2011). Serving in the Lay Organization well over 50 years, Mrs. Fultz has been faithful as a member and leader: Local 1st VP, Secretary, and President; Conference Lay 3rd VP, President (1 year); and District Lay 2nd VP. The Louisiana Conference celebrated her for her dedication to the Lay in February 2015.

Episcopal Lay President Patricia Campbell expresses appreciation and love towards Sis. Clara Fultz, … “who had a wonderful impact on me and my journey in the laity. Sis. Fultz served as 3rd Vice President during my first term as Louisiana Conference President. She was always present and always encouraging and always shared her wealth of wisdom with me. It was a joy to hear the history-sharing stories of how she and some of her companions (Gladys Martin, Velma Magee, others) traveled to the various Lay Conferences, Lay Biennials, and General Conferences. They sometimes shared 4 to a room, but present. Through it all, they remained faithful to God and this Lay ministry due in part to their commitment and service. I thank her for wise counsel, dedication, support, and love. She will always have a special place in my heart.”

​About how long have you served in the Lay, Mrs. Fultz? “Years and years…it seems all my life”. To many a meeting - District and Annual Conferences - Mrs. Fultz has driven herself and other laywomen. Those often joining in the ride have included Sister Laurene McMillan (former CLO Recording Secretary – deceased), Sister Gladys Martin (former 8th District Lay Historiographer), and other faithful members of the Lay Organization and Missionary Society. 

Mrs. Fultz still drives herself to meetings and to handle her business! Bishop Wicker cautioned her to stop driving while she stood with her Pastor at the Louisiana Annual Conference in November 2022. Bishop said he’s concerned for her safety. She has impacted many a life through her work with young people in the church and community. Many are scattered, but still worship God in churches across the country. With enthusiasm and humility, Mrs. Fultz says, “God’s grace has kept me. I’ve had some challenges but God fights my battles.”
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Shirley Hopkins Davis, Ph.D., 8th District Lay Historiographer
Patricia W. Campbell, 8th District Lay President
Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, Presiding Prelate, 8th Episcopal District

Out and about in December 2022, driving herself to District WMS President’s home for a visit.