James R. and Voncille J. Cleary Fund for Neurological Research

Sisters Johanna Cleary and Susan Sommers have established the James R. and Voncille J. Cleary Fund for Neurological Research in honor of their parents.

“Mom has followed HudsonAlpha since its inception,” said Johanna Cleary of her mother, Voncille Cleary.

In fact, Voncille has attended numerous HudsonAlpha public education classes and is a big fan of Vice President for Educational Outreach Neil Lamb, who Leads the Biotech 101 and 201 series. The Clearys actively contributed to the growth of Huntsville. James Cleary established the Army Legal office at Redstone Arsenal and practiced Law for 56 years.

In addition to Law, James was a founding partner of WAFG, which Later became WAAY, founder of The Huntsville News, which he later sold to The Huntsville Times, and a founding director of Security Federal Savings and Loan. He also developed residential and commercial property in northwest and southeast Huntsville through his company Economy Homes and served on the Madison County Airport Authority from 1968-1986.

Voncille was a registered dietitian, the first accredited one to be hired by Huntsville Hospital. She also helped raise funds for the purchase of the first public Library bookmobile and has been active with other civic organizations.

The sisters chose to direct their fund to neurological disease. It is an area where they feel they can make a difference and that is close their hearts. “Our family has been directly affected by neurological disease,” said Johanna. “From our conversation with researchers here at HudsonAlpha, it’s clear that what they are doing can make treatments better for people and ultimately result in solutions.”