Clarissa Lucia McPherson

Clarissa Lucia McPherson was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in 1928. Raised in San Francisco, she grew up in the Presidio and Redwood City and lived in the Bay Area before settling in Las Vegas. Clarissa had a long 35-year career at PG&E as a supervisor. She was known for her strong work ethic, and energetic and independent approach to life. Clarissa remained life-long friends with many of her colleagues and had an extended community of friends and family she enjoyed socializing with.

Clarissa is survived by two sons Keith McPherson and Kevin McPherson who reside in California. She is survived by one daughter Marla McPherson, of Las Vegas Nevada. Clarissa is preceded in death by her eldest son “Butch” Clavoid Johnson. Surviving grandchildren are Jay Johnson and Jared McPherson of Hayward, CA, Mathew McPherson of San Jose, CA, Christopher McPherson of Pinole, CA, and Maia McPherson-Segno of Las Vegas, NV.

Clarissa enjoyed keeping active and was rarely found sitting at home. She was known for her hat collection, spunk and an exotic sense of style that merged influences from the Pacific Islands, Asia and the many places she traveled to. She loved jazz music and dancing and saw many original jazz musicians in San Francisco’s Fillmore District during her heyday. Her interest in travel and culture brought her to several international destinations including Beijing, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Russia, and Spain. Her final journey was taken surrounded by her loving granddaughter Maia and devoted daughter Marla, who cared for her during her battle with dementia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Filipina Women's Network. (FWN) is a San Francisco based non-profit international advocacy organization that seeks to increase the power of Filipina women as leaders and policy makers at all levels in corporate, government, institutions and community organizations to achieve economic and social justice and women’s rights. https://filipinawomensnetwork.org/

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Heritage Springs Center for their support in her final days.