Jessica Bland Clark

Jessica Bland Clark, age 75, of Houston, Texas passed away on Monday December 3, 2018, in Katy, TX. She is survived by her son, Joseph Grady Clark; her two sisters, Winnifred Wackman and Janice Kellogg; nephew, Clark Kellogg; niece, Winnie Powell; great nephew, William Kellogg; and great nieces, Claire Powell and Leigh Powell; and her dog, Rio Clark.

Jessica was born Carolyn Jessica Bland on March 18, 1943, in San Antonio, TX, to Wallace Grady Bland and Carolyn Lucille Smith. Lieutenant Bland was at the time serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot with the 49th Fighter Squadron and stationed in England. On July 10th, 1943, Lt. Bland's P-38 was shot down over Sardenia, and he was never able to return home to meet his almost 4 month old daughter.

Carolyn Smith later married Joseph Oscar Clark, Jr., who adopted Jessica and raised her as his own daughter. Jessica spent her early childhood in the Rio Grande Valley and grew up in Houston, where she eventually earned her Master's degree in Education from the University of Houston. She would go on to be a teacher and later a job councelor, where she helped people find better jobs and make sound career choices.

Jessica enjoyed painting landscapes and reading historical novels, and always loved having pets, particularly dogs.

After a long struggle with health issues, she passed away peacefully under the care of hospice. We are grateful to those who cared for Jessica over the past several years. The family, especially her son, Joe, know that she is now in a much better place, with God in Heaven.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Clark family.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of Jessica's life at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on Saturday, January 19th, at 10:00 a.m.