About Mrs. Clara Kennedy Witherspoon

Clara  Kennedy Witherspoon grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools System. Mrs. Witherspoon graduated from  West Mecklenburg High School and attended  North Carolina Central University, earning a BA degree in Psychology. In addition, she received her Master's Degree in Religion in Christian Leadership from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia. Clara earned an additional  Master's Degree in Education from The University of The Southwest, Hobbs, New Mexico,  in School Counseling and School Administration. Mrs.Witherspoon's professional career includes working in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools System as a District Multi-tier System of Support Specialist  (MTSS), K-12 Licensed School Counselor, and high school Graduation Coach. She retired from Charlotte, Mecklenburg Schools System, in January 2022. 

Please go to  ( www.gpminc.org ) to learn about the services provided to children and their families. 

 Clara Kennedy Witherspoon is the wife of Retired Fire Captain Ira G. Witherspoon Jr, who retired from the Charlotte Fire Department with 27 years of service. Mrs. Witherspoon is the mother of two daughters, Ashley and Danielle, and the proud grandmother of Cyrus and Emmy. The Witherspoons' daughters graduated from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and NC Public Universities. Her grandchildren are now attending Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to further their commitment to public education.

Clara Witherspoon is the founder of GPM Inc. 501 C3 and the Board President. She faithfully serves and looks for gaps in services to perpetuate the mission of GPMInc. " to encourage the development of positive life skills that will bring about permanent changes in the lives of at-risk youth and their families." She initiated GPM Inc American Girl Doll Perseverance Award (AGDPA) program in 2016.

 It is an annual event; the award is given to students who have demonstrated perseverance through excellent attendance, grades, behavior, and good citizenship.

In 2018,  Mrs. Witherspoon attended the city of Charlotte's  Community Support "Love Speaks Out" workshop to become a certified teen domestic violence prevention facilitator /trainer.

From 2018 until the COVID pandemic in 2020, Mrs. Witherspoon led the development of GPM Inc's Teen Domestic Violence Prom Project, an annual event.