Clarissa's Story
On October 21, 1999 at 1:24AM, Clarissa Brielle Gaddis made her entrance into this world. A beautiful baby girl with black hair and dark brown eyes, she brought joy to all who encountered her from the very beginning. Born to parent Burke Michael Gaddis and Carlis Yolanda Gaddis, she completed their family of five with big sisters Chelsea and Carmen anxiously awaiting her arrival.
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Although Clarissa was the youngest, you would have never known it; she ran the Gaddis household with an iron fist. Her family lovingly knew her as "Riss The Ruler" because of how adamant she was about not being bossed around by her sisters. This headstrong little girl would soon grow into a beautiful independent woman who cared for all she encountered.
Clarissa was baptized at the age of nine at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor David L. Roberson. She loved her church family dearly; participating in the Usher Ministry, Angel Choir, the Mime Choir, Sunday School, the Youth Mentoring Group "Girls Growing Godly", the Jr. Debutante Program and the Christian Debutante Program.
Clarissa was educated in the Farmington Public School System, attending Woodcreek Elementary School, Warner Middle School, Dunckel Middle School and Harrison High School.
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Clarissa was a fierce competitor, participating in the Harrison High School volleyball, tennis (Captain) and basketball teams. She had so much pride in her Harrison Hawk Community and was voted Class Treasurer and Class Partier by her peers, which made it clear that she was intelligent and responsible, but was also going to make sure she took time out for fun. Clarissa's strong moral compass was acknowledged in 2013 when she was awarded the Superintendent's Award for the love and care she displayed to her fellow classmates.
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Outside of school Clarissa was extremely active in her community, participating in the Midnight Golf Program and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Ivylettes of The Pearls of Promise Foundation Mentoring Program. Clarissa used her tennis prowess to mentor and uplift the community, coaching tennis to elementary school students at the Metropolitan Racket Club in Detroit, Michigan each summer from 2010 to 2016.
After graduating from high school, Clarissa attended the Illustrious Howard University (The Real HU), majoring in Supply Chain Management and receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. As a Howard Bison, Clarissa seized every opportunity to be active on campus, serving as Vice President of The Michigan Club, the Treasurer for Jewels Incorporated and participating in the Howard University Alternative Spring Break service trips. Clarissa's academic success propelled her professionally. Before graduating Clarissa was provided with the opportunity to complete three internships: two in the corporate division of AT&T and one with Spectrum.
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Clarissa's first "Big Girl Job" was in the corporate office of McDonald's as an Operations Associate in Seattle, Washington. Moving across the country was such an exciting time for Clarissa; she embraced the challenge and the new adventure.
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Clarissa lived life on her own terms. She is most remembered for her witty personality, charming sense of humor, and seizing every opportunity for adventure. She went skydiving in Wisconsin, cliff jumping and ATV riding in Jamaica, and hiking in Washington. Clarissa also had big plans to travel to Iceland to go hang-gliding in the summer of 2022.
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To cherish in memory, Clarissa leaves her devoted and loving parents Burke Gaddis and Carlis Gaddis; her sisters Chelsea Gaddis Herring (Idris) and Carmen Michelle Gaddis; her Grandparents Verber T. jenkins, Nellie Jenkins and Nan Gaddis; her Aunt Tameka Gaddis (Richard); her twin cousin Essence Eaton and an abundance of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who she loved dearly.
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Clarissa's beloved grandfather Johnny Gaddis Jr. is awaiting her arrival at the pearly gates of heaven to welcome her home - where they will surely enjoy a game of dominoes and checkers.
THE LEGACY
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
