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El Lane Nadal Clark

El Lane Nadal Clark obituary, 1. New Hanover, NC

El Clark Obituary

EL LANE NADAL CLARK Dr. El Lane Nadal Clark, 1730 Signature Place, Wilmington, NC departed this life on Sunday, September 8, 2013. She was born in Wilson, NC on June 5, 1933. Her parents were the late Lillie Lane and Edward Morse Nadal. Her grandparents were the late Hattie Edmundson and Henry Bryant Lane and the late Ella Erwin Green Nadal and Ernest Fentress Nadal. El was named in part for her paternal grandmother. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Fentress Nadal Smith and husband, Charles H. of Sarasota, FL and her niece, Kweilin Nadal Smith and husband, James Louis Belitsos of Royal Oak, MI; by several first cousins; by her feline little girl, Chloe Lynn; by her dearest friend of many years, Justine Fredericks Lerch; and by her steadfast and supportive friends, the Dr. Robert G. Everhart Family. El graduated from Charles L. Coon High School, Wilson, NC in the Class of 1951 where she was voted the "wittiest girl in the Senior Class." Dr. Clark graduated from Peace College, Raleigh, NC in 1953, with an Associate of Arts degree. She transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science. Two graduate degrees the master of education (M.Ed.) in 1965, and the doctor of education (Ed. D.) in 1971 were earned from her beloved Duke University in Durham, NC. El devoted her thirty- nine years of professional life to public education. She taught in Richmond, VA; North Kingstown, RI; Lafayette, IN; and in New Hanover Co. (Wilmington, NC). During part of this time she attended graduate school at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. In addition to certification in administration and supervision, elementary and middle schools, and several areas of special needs students, Dr. Clark earned the first certificate issued in Teaching Emotionally Disturbed Children in North Carolina. All of her other graduate courses and internships were completed at Duke. In 1972, El was the second female in North Carolina to be elected Assistant Superintendent in the public school districts. She often said that her work was her hobby because she found such purpose in it and was so stimulated by it and enjoyed it so much. Dr. Clark served as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Instruction, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Services, and Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services during her employment by the New Hanover County Schools. She served with four superintendents. During the 1960's and the 1970's the New Hanover County Schools faced the tremendous challenges of school desegregation. From the filing of a civil suit in 1964 to the issuance of a court order handed down by a federal court judge in 1971, the School Board and Superintendent's Staff under the leadership of Dr. Heyward C. Bellamy, Superintendent were involved in a massive reorganization plan which redefined the school district for those and subsequent years. Dr. Clark played a vital role in these activities and responsibilities. In 1968 Dr. Clark was appointed to the Governor's Study Commission on the Public Schools (NC). This position afforded her to occupy a leadership position at the state level. Next, public education in North Carolina from the governor to the legislature to the lowest position on the salary scale began the focus on "accountability". This quality assurance program involved all facets of school life. Changes in school law were made and particularly in the performance appraisal system for certified employees (Career Development Plan). New Hanover County Schools became one of sixteen pilot administrative units in the state. Dr. Clark assumed responsibility and leadership for the Career Development at the local level and the state level. El was a member of the Carolina Yacht Club, the Country Club of Landfall, and a former member of the Figure Eight Island Yacht Club. She was a lifelong Presbyterian (dating back to her great great grandparents) and a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilson, NC; she transferred her letter of membership to the First Presbyterian Church, 125 South Third St., Wilmington, NC 28402 after she relocated in 1954. Interment service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 2:00 PM, Maplewood Cemetery, 400 College Street, Wilson, NC. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, NC. A reception will follow the service in Gilmour Hall. Memorials in her honor may be made to First Presbyterian Church.

Published by Wilmington Star-News from Sep. 10 to Sep. 11, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Well Dr. Clark, it's been six years since your "new beginnings". Each time I see/share with one of those ninth graders from the 80's, I'm reminded of their "new beginnings" since then. You would be so delighted. Teaching and nurturing the whole child has benefited so many of them. They have become productive adults meeting the challenges and blessings of each day. I, too, am blessed .Thank you for planting the seed and encouraging me to persevere.

Nell M Ostby

Teacher

September 4, 2019

I had the privilege of becoming friends with El during my early years in New Hanover County when I started out with Justine as my principal at Alderman. I was so fortunate! To this day (28 years later) what they taught me has continued to be my inspiration in education. Their dedicated to education and New Hanover County Schools was second to none. Justine, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Anne

Anne Lineberry

September 26, 2013

Dr. El Clark was a kind loving understanding and caring person. I will never forget the kindness she extended to me during the early years of integration in our New Hanover County Public Schools. She will truly be missed.

Margaret B. Fredlaw

September 16, 2013

Rest in peace our dearest El...you were deeply loved and an inspiration to all. You will be missed and always will be a cherished friend of many years. Our most heartfelt condolences to your family and many friends.

Bob and Yvonne Jones

September 16, 2013

Dr. Clark was an amazing woman who I looked up to as an educator. She was a mentor to me as I continued my career as an observer/evaluator. I have great respect for her and enjoyed her sense of humor. Sending my love and peace to Dr. Clark, her family, and friends.

Vicki Hayes

September 16, 2013

So sad to hear of Dr. Clark's passing, but am so pleased that I had the pleasure and honor of knowing this outstanding educator, mentor, and human being. New Hanover County Schools is a better school system because of her dedication and commitment to the school system and education. Much respect and love for this sweet lady, Jerry Cribbs

Jerry Cribbs

September 15, 2013

Dr. Clark initiated "new beginnings" for many of us. She stressed the importance of teaching the whole child - of being a dedicated teacher - of nuturing the whole class, yet keeping an eye on the individual student. She loved learning and wanted the teachers to share that type of classroom instruction with each student that we would touch.
Now she has her "new beginning" in heaven. God bless. Dr. Clark

Nell Mauney Ostby

September 15, 2013

Taught 6th grade at J.C. Roe in Wilmington with El as a co-worker in 1963-64. Always kept in touch...An all-round terrific person and true friend. Lee Porter, Atlanta

September 15, 2013

I am so sad to hear of Ms. EL's passing she was such a sweet lady. I am honored to have known EL and we loved to shop!!

Tracie (Catherines)

September 15, 2013

El was a good friend and our family considered her family. Every Christmas was special because El shared it with our family for many many years. Her spirit will be with us every Chritmas Day. Sadonie and Moe Kirby, Karen, Kaylyn and Kennan. Southport, NC

September 13, 2013

Our friend up above.

Stacy & Julia Hollar

September 12, 2013

I had the privilege of meeting El as one of her therapists when she was in rehab. She welcomed me and my 4 year old daughter into her extended family. I will greatly miss her and know she is living it up in heaven!

Stacy Hollar

September 12, 2013

El was an inspiration to our generation. Remembering times at the CYC... El's dad fishing the jetty. El and Miss Lee walking up the beach. Breaking the glass ceiling for the many. God speed El. With love.

Alice Farmer Davis Anderson

September 11, 2013

El was fortunate to be loved by her sister and is now at peace.
Jeannette Hohmann

September 11, 2013

God bless you, El..Jerry Partrick

September 11, 2013

Dr. Clark was a lady and a great educator. I enjoyed my professional association with her while she worked for NHCS. I learned much about educational leadership from her. She will be missed.

Mary Alice Settle

September 11, 2013

El was a wonderful person, a great educator, and a very good friend to me and my family. I'm glad she's now pain free, but I will miss seeing her. Maybe she and my father can educate the others in their afterlife! Rest in peace, El. Much love,
Emily

emily bridgman

September 11, 2013

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Clark for many years-first as her secretary and later as a teacher. I considered her a mentor and friend. What I became professionally is in large part because of her. Thank you, El. Rest in peace.

Lillian Halterman Harding

September 11, 2013

we knew you from Dr. Auley Crouch's office.

billie shelton

September 10, 2013

Ellen Smith

September 10, 2013

we remember you from Dr. Auley Crouch's office.

billie shelton

September 10, 2013

El will be missed, she is now in the hands of our lord and she will always be loved

Teresa Asbury

September 10, 2013

she is with god now wonderfull person

Teresa Asbury

September 10, 2013

Worked over 30 years for local school system while Dr. Clark was there and I admired her. Always very nice to me and she will be missed by many.

TWRoberts

September 10, 2013

love and god bless

judy haggins

September 10, 2013

a wonderful teacher and friend I will miss you. love and god bless

judy haggins

September 10, 2013

El, will be missed by many people. She did so much for the education system of NEW HANOVER COUNTY, Thank you El.

Janet Dorman

September 10, 2013

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