Clara Ines (Barajas) Arnold

Clara (Barajas) Arnold, affectionately known as Clary, was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend whose life was defined by faith, love, and quiet strength. She went home to be with the Lord surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to bless generations.

Born in Colombia, Clary was the first of eight children born to devoted pastors. From a young age, her life was shaped by service and responsibility. While attending school, she helped raise her younger siblings, stepping naturally into the role of caretaker, protector, and encourager. What grew from those early years was an unconditional bond with her siblings—one rooted in love, loyalty, and faith—that lasted her lifetime.

As the eldest, Clary was the heart of her family. She was the very best big sister: nurturing, fiercely protective, endlessly loving, and deeply proud of those she loved. When she and her three oldest siblings attended college together in the United States, their bond only deepened. Over time, spouses joined the family and were welcomed wholeheartedly by Clary as true “bonus siblings.” To her, family was never limited by blood—it was defined by love.

Clary was a devoted and loving mother whose children were her greatest joy and most sacred calling. She loved them with tenderness, prayed over them faithfully, and guided them with wisdom and grace. She loved sharing stories of their life adventures with great pride and adoration. Her faith shaped the way she mothered, teaching by example what it meant to love God and love others well.

She is survived by her loving children: Leanna (Jay) Cox and Andrew (Brianna) Arnold.

Her faith was steady and sincere, lived out in everyday acts of love, sacrifice, and trust in the Lord. She believed in showing up, in loving without condition, and in placing her hope fully in God. Her life was a reflection of Christ’s love—quiet, faithful, and enduring.

Clary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ana and Felipe Barajas, and sister-in-law, Kim Barajas. She now rests joyfully in the presence of the Savior she served.

She is also survived by her loving siblings and their spouses, whose lives remain forever connected through the foundation of love she helped build: Lydia (Luis) Zapata, Daniel (Gladys) Barajas, Ruth (Fariborz) Mazaheri, Enrique (Laura) Barajas, Myriam Barajas, Damaris (Ron) Summers, and Jimmy (Claudia) Barajas.

To her nieces and nephews, Tia Clary was warmth, safety, and unconditional love. To her friends, she was a loyal companion, a listening ear, and a source of encouragement. To all who knew her, she was a blessing.

Though her absence is deeply felt, her family and friends take comfort in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that Clary is whole, healed, and home. Her love lives on in the family she nurtured, the faith she modeled, and the countless lives she touched.

Her life was a gift.

Her faith was her anchor.

Her love will endure forever.

Flowers are welcome and can be sent directly to the Smith and Kernke Funeral Home (14624 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134) with attention to Clara Arnold.