Clara Jane Garner, age 88, of Traverse City and formerly of Mount Pleasant and Albion, MI, passed away on October 16, 2022.

Clara Jane was born on October 25, 1933 in Albion to the late Harvey J and Mildred E. (Pauls) Martin. She graduated from high school in Albion and went on to attend nursing school, graduating with her RN degree in 1956.

Clara Jane married James Huggett, of Marshall MI, on May 27, 1954. They divorced shortly thereafter. On February 22, 1958, Clara Jane married Jerry D. Garner. They lived for a time in Charlotte, MI before moving back to Albion in 1960.

Clara Jane worked as an RN in Albion for many years. In 1972, she moved with her family to Mt Pleasant, MI where she worked for the State of Michigan Regional Center. She cared for countless patients throughout her career before retiring from the Regional Center in 1992.

After retirement, Clara Jane further served her community by tutoring individuals learning to read. She also studied Tai Chi for several years and enjoyed many creative pursuits. Clara Jane was an independent woman and a straight shooter— "one of a kind" as one friend fondly mused.

Clara Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry in 1978, and her parents.

She is survived by her sons Keith (Cheri) Huggett and Mark (Olivia) Garner; grandchildren Claire Garner, Audrey Huggett, Kyle (Lindsey Miller) Huggett, Mary (Sean Aguirre) Garner, and MaryBeth (Scott) Davis; 5 great grandchildren; and her brothers Jon H. Martin and David (Maureen) Martin.

Clara Jane will be laid to rest in the Martin family plot at Riverside Cemetery in Albion at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the charity of your choice.