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HOUSTON — Clara A. Williams, 96, of Houston, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Houston.

Graveside services will be announced at a later date .

Arrangements are under the direction of National Cremation Society of Houston.

Clara Abbey Laird was born in Natchez, the daughter of Albert Laird and Mamie Hewitt.

She spent a number of years working for Guido Home Builders and was an active member of the Natchez Pilgrimage Garden Club before moving to New Orleans in 1974. While in New Orleans, she was employed by River Gulf Steamship Company as a bookkeeper for more than 25 years.

Clara loved New Orleans, loved living in the French Quarter, loved her many friends at the Le Richelieu Hotel and loved volunteering at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Chartres Street. Her family and friends will always remember her as a true “Southern Belle.”