Clara Jean Morris, affectionately known as MADEA, was born on April 12, 1938, to the late Lillian Hodges and Edward Morris. She was the firstborn of six siblings whom she took under her wings with tender loving care. Clara accepted Christ at a very early age when she fell in love with Jesus for the first time.

She was educated in the DISD school system and attended Lincoln High School. In 1980, she excelled in learning at El Centro College, where she attained her certification as an administrative clerk and payroll accountant.

From the late 1950s to the early 80s, Madea worked a substantial number of hours for several employers, including but not limited to the Dale Set Theater as a cashier, Mercy Cleaners as a seamstress, and Meshack BBQ as a waitress. From sunup to sundown, she served tirelessly to ensure the education, safety, and stability of her family. In 1981, she took advantage of the education she had obtained and became an employee of the City of Dallas Wastewater Department as an administrative clerk, where she retired after 18 dedicated years of service. In retirement, she enjoyed serving in her church, nurturing her grands, and traveling.

Madea loved serving the Lord! She attended several churches searching for her Jesus. In her search, she joined Greater People's Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Alexander McKnight, where she served in the women's mission and sang in the choir. As time went on, and after serious consideration, she joined the Evangelist Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Aubrey Lee Simpson Sr. and the late Pastor E.L. Burrell. Her journey then led her to Ekklesia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. L.B. Sanders. She dedicated exceptional service to the kitchen committee, choir, and the work of the ministry. Her devotion to the Lord and her desire to please Him made it her priority to ensure that her children, their children, and their children's children were brought up in the admonition of the Lord.

In 1952, she joined in union with Millard Charles Iglehart Sr. To this union, five amazing offspring were born. After their union was dissolved, she met and married Eugene Miles. He affectionately referred to her as "Hot Shot." To this union were born four more amazing offspring. Altogether, these are the nine that towed the line. After doing the math, Madea yielded 73 offspring, where she instilled deep love, integrity, and respect for themselves and others at all times.

She is preceded in death by both parents, both husbands, a sister, Mary Alice, and two brothers, Eddie Jr. and Earnest Smith. Also, her firstborn, Rose Mary Wilson, and Malcolm Omar Miles, the eighth-born child.

She leaves to carry on her legacy and loving memories seven children: Constance Morris, Millicent Reese (Sammy Sr.), Clayton Iglehart (Felicia), Millard Iglehart Jr., Jeannette, Thomas, and Jannikki (Billy Jr.). One sister, Erma Carroll. One brother, Willie Lee Smith Sr. Twenty-four grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great grandchildren. And a host of relatives, loved ones, and special friends from coast to coast. Special canine companion Shelby.