Clara Brawner facts for kids
Clara Arena Brawner was an important doctor in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born on August 29, 1929, and passed away on October 4, 1991. In the mid-1950s, she was the only African-American woman doctor in the city.
Growing Up
Clara Brawner was born in Georgia. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Dr. Jeff Brawner, was a children's doctor. Her mother, Rena Darden Brawner, was a nurse. Clara went to Manassas High School.
Clara had a younger sister named Alpha Brawner-Floyd. Alpha became a famous opera singer. Clara decided to follow her father's path. She went to Spelman College for her first degree. Then, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee. She studied medicine at Meharry Medical College. Clara graduated from medical school in 1954.
Her Medical Career
After medical school, Clara Brawner worked for a year. She did an internship at Hubbard Hospital. This hospital was part of Meharry Medical College.
After her internship, Dr. Brawner came back to Memphis. She became a pediatrician. This means she was a doctor for children. She worked at several hospitals in the city.
Helping Her Community
Dr. Brawner was very active in her community. She held many important roles. She also worked with many health groups.
She led the children's department at Collins Chapel Hospital. She also led its science research department. Dr. Brawner worked for the Veterans' Administration. She was a leader in the Bluff City Medical Society. She also helped the Memphis Department of Public Health. And she worked with the Shelby County Department of Public Health.
Dr. Brawner was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She also led the Family Practice Section of the National Medical Association. She received many awards for helping her community.
She was president of the Bluff City Medical Society for 15 years. This group helped African-American doctors in Memphis. In 1930, there were 40 such doctors. By 1960, there were only 12. Dr. Brawner helped the society survive. She was the first woman president of this society. In 1963, she was also the first woman president of the Volunteer State Medical Association.
Dr. Brawner helped start the Memphis Health Center Clinic. She was also the medical director. This was for the Goodwill Homes for Children. These homes were in the Greater Memphis Area.
Dr. Brawner was also very involved in her church. She was an active member of Gospel Temple Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School and Bible classes. She was on the Trustee Board. She was also the Superintendent of Junior Ushers. And she led the Ministerial Council.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Brawner received many honors for her work:
- The Dr. King Service Award
- Mayor's staff aide-de-camp (City of Memphis)
- Physician's Achievement Award
- Family Practice Service Award
She was also recognized by:
- Memphians Inc.
- The National Medical Association
- Memphis Health Center
- North Memphis Civic Club
Later Life
In 1989, Dr. Brawner began studying theology. She went to the Memphis Theological Seminary. She continued her studies until she passed away in 1991.
Dr. Brawner is survived by her daughter.
