Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 8. 2026

Clara Elizabeth Morris Hedberg passed away on February 8, 2026. Born on July 29, 1932, in Charlotte, NC, she was the daughter of Mamie Pendleton and Samuel Ross Morris. Clara grew up in the Dilworth and Wilmore neighborhoods and later raised her own family in Sedgefield—a community she adored. 

Clara treasured her school years at Wilmore Elementary, Alexander Graham Junior High, and Central High School, often saying she had “the best teachers anyone could ask for.” After graduating from Central in 1950, she earned a scholarship to the Women’s College of The University of North Carolina, where she graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. During her summers, she joyfully served as Director of Abbott Park for Charlotte Park and Recreation, pouring her heart into working with young people. In 1979, she received a Master’s in Education from UNCC.

In 1957, Clara married the love of her life, her “New England Swede,” Carl Hedberg. Together they began their married life in Maine and Massachusetts before returning home to Charlotte in 1961.

Clara devoted 28 years to teaching and educational leadership. Her career took her to Oberlin Jr. High in Raleigh, Newtonville Jr. High in Massachusetts, and then back to Charlotte at Alexander Graham Jr. High, where she served as a math teacher and later as assistant principal for 16 years. She touched countless lives with her kindness, encouragement, and belief in every student.

Clara never met a stranger. She greeted everyone with warmth, and it seemed she couldn’t go anywhere without running into a former student, a friend, a church member, or a fellow volunteer. She gave generously of her time and talents, serving in leadership roles with the Sedgefield Elementary PTA, The Sedgefield Garden Club, The Nature Museum Guild, The Science Guild of Discovery Place, Delta Kappa Gamma (Kappa Chapter), Friendship Force, Lorie Book Club, United Methodist Women of St. Paul UMC, International Educators, The Wesley Fellowship Class, Friends of Scandinavia, Odyssey of the Mind, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Retired School Personnel.

Above all, Clara loved her family, her friends, and her Lord Jesus. She considered her family one of her greatest blessings. She is survived by her devoted husband, Carl; her son Steven (Trish Wheeler) and daughter‑in‑law Dottie; her daughter Carol and son‑in‑law Tom Little; and her beloved grandchildren—Kelly (Chad Ham) and Kimberly Little, and Matthew and Carson Hedberg.

A service celebrating Clara’s life will be held at Sedgefield United Methodist Church (formerly St. Paul UMC) on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.

Education was important to Clara. Donations may be made to Sedgefield UMC for The BLCM Scholarship Fund, 2830 Dorchester Place, Charlotte, NC 28209. If you have pop tabs, bring them to the reception. IYKYK.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral and Cremation Services, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com