Clara Jean Couthen, age 85, passed away gracefully and peacefully on Saturday, October 3 in her home, where she was surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born in Pinola, Mississippi on July 13, 1935 to Percy A. and Mallie Mae McIntosh. In April of 1953, Clara graduated from New Hymn High School, then briefly continued her education at Alcorn University.

After relocating to Michigan in 1955, Clara Jean McIntosh married the love of her life, John Edward Couthen on April 21, 1956. Together, they quickly built a life of love and companionship over the next 64 years.

Clara was proceeded in death by: her parents, Percy and Mallie McIntosh; brothers, Percy Jr. and Charles Lovell "Bae Bae" McIntosh; and great-grandchildren, Mikael Makonnen Parris, Kennedy Renee Parris, and Reagan Elizabeth Couthen.

She is survived by: her husband of 64 remarkable years, John Couthen Sr.; children, Deborah Parris, Delinda (Arthur) Thomas, John (Dawn) Couthen Jr., and Delesa (Reginald) Royal; grandchildren, Rasha (Vontresse) Thomas, Nicole (Ishmael) Cain, LeChele (Deborah Mitchell) Paris, Janaya Royal, John (Carly) Couthen, Sean Royal, Heather (Kristian) Johnson, and Daniel Couthen; great-grandchildren, Shaylah Pulley, Chase Parris, Chelsea Parris, Asiah Pulley, Jaida Thomas, Ariyah Royal, Carson Parris, Javon Thomas, Kameron Couthen, Savanna Collins, London Couthen, Tajh Cain, and Aaliyah Royal; siblings, James (Juliet) McIntosh, Willie Laura (Chess) Williams, John (Joyce) McIntosh, Elijah (Barbera) McIntosh, Jerry (Lois) McIntosh, Betty Norwood, Elaine Hayes, Ruby Bryant, and Jackie (Ruth) McIntosh; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to being a supportive, loving, and devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, Clara enjoyed crocheting, quilting, baking, gardening, tending to her flower beds, and bird watching. She was an active member of Mount Hope Church where she joyfully served as a greeter since 2003. Clara devoted 17 years of her life in various positions with General Motors.

Having a heart of servitude, Clara volunteered her time in multiple capacities from rocking babies, evangelizing, and traveling on mission trips to Guatemala. She always served with a smile on her face and in her heart.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the wonderful support provided by Compassus Hospice Care.

Services for Mrs. Couthen are as follows: