Clester Opal McClellan Woods was born March 29, 1927 in Geary, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of seven children born to Maymie and Zachariah (Tiny) McClellan. Clester was dedicated to getting her education. She graduated and received her high school diploma from Douglas High School in Geary, Oklahoma.

Once out of high school Clester continued her educational journey to Langston University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. While in college she became a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Clester taught school for several years while in Oklahoma before embarking on a new journey with her family in Wichita, Kansas where she obtained a teaching position at Wichita High School East.

Family and Education were extremely important to her. God blessed Clester with two amazing children Garralyn and Wayne. She did not let her ability to work fulltime, be a fulltime mom hinder her from obtaining two Master's Degrees from Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University respectfully. In addition, she was instrumental in creating the Wichita Chapter for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

Clester continue to impact not only students' lives while teaching at Wichita High School East, but also staff when she became the Home Economics Department Head. Clester knew being a single mother while in school had challenges which resulted in her creating the first day care on campus for students trying to complete their education that continues to this day.

After retiring from education in 1980 after over 30 years of dedicated service, Clester devoted her life to taking care of her mother while being an active charter member of Sigma Gamma Rho, the Golden Age Club, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ladies Bible Study, and many more community fashion shows and activities. Clester was always there to give advice to anyone who needed it, and helped those who could not help themselves. Clester loved having her daily talks with the Lord; her faith was unwavering.

Preceding Clester in death are her parents: Maymie and Zachariah (Tiny) McClellan; two sisters: Ruby J. Collins and Erniece Moore; two brothers: Elbert (Buddy) McClellan and Melvin McClellan. Clester is survived by her sister: Johnnie Stiff; brother: Odell McClellan; daughter: Garralyn (Rodney Sr.) Brown of Wichita, KS; son: Wayne (Angela) Woods of Gilbert, Arizona; Five grandchildren: Mijolae (Tafehali) Henley, Rodney Brown Jr, Monique Brown, and DeAndre' (Shawnasy) Brown, and Michael Brown; 17 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Soros.