Clara S. Oldham

Clara Sanford Oldham, 83, of Owensboro, died Monday, August 22 at her home at One Park Place. A native of Wetumpka, AL, Mrs. Oldham was a graduate of the University of Alabama and the Tulane University Graduate School of Social Work. She was a long time advocate for peace and justice, especially equality for women. Two Kentucky governors appointed Mrs. Oldham to terms on the Kentucky Commission on Women and she was the first woman appointed to serve on the Kentucky Board of Ethics. She was active in numerous organizations relating to mental health. In 1997 she received the Liberty Bell Award from the Daviess County Bar Association for her life time of work for social justice. She was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she served as a deacon.

Mrs. Oldham was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Dr. William J. Oldham. Survivors include son, William J. Oldham, Jr. (Kathy Posey Oldham) of Atlanta, daughter Linda Oldham Tilly (Bill Tilly), and granddaughter Lauren Claire Tilly of Montgomery, AL.

Visitation will be at Glenn Funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. August 25. A memorial service will be held on August 26 at 11:00.a.m. at First Christian Church, 700 J. R. Miller Blvd, with visitation in the Atrium following the service.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Christian Church or Hospice of Ohio Valley.