Cassandra Lee Clark

Cassandra Lee Clark, 51, beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on April 27, 1974 to Sandra and the late Robert E. “Bob” Clark III. She grew up in Port Aransas graduating from PAHS and later earning a theater arts degree from the University of Dallas. Working in her family’s souvenir shops and later running her own store, The Connoisseur, for over 25 years. Known for her welcoming spirit and vibrant personality, Cassandra was instantly recognizable by her often-colorful hair, animal-themed shirts, and signature tiara.

In 2023, she sold her shop to spend more time with her granddaughter, Evelyn Louise Clark, born to son Harrison and his wife Christi. Evelyn quickly became the light of Cassandra’s life.

Cassandra’s childhood was filled with memories of the family businesses—Souvenir City, Sand N Surf, the original Connoisseur, and Sandy’s Shirt Shack. Her father, Bob, often joked that if Cassandra had been the first child, she’d have been the last—she was a high-spirited challenge! Like many children, Cassandra’s parents told her not to talk to strangers. Cassandra had other ideas. She was known at the age of 7 to greet customers with, “Hi, what’s your name? My name is Cassandra,” followed by, “We’re friends now, not strangers anymore.”

That warmth stayed with Cassandra as she was kind, energetic, and always ready to help. Her Channel Vista home was a haven—whether hosting guests, offering a place to sleep, or transforming into “Halloween Central” for her son’s friends, complete with candy swaps and pizza.

Friends and family remember her hearty laugh, quick wit, and bold authenticity. She felt most herself in shorts (showing off her full leg tattoo sleeve), flip flops, and comical t-shirts.  

Her love for animals was immense. Harrison recalled growing up with cats, dogs, a rabbit, a wallaby, and three ferrets. Port A locals fondly remember Chester, her 33-pound orange tabby who lived at The Connoisseur and became a local celebrity and was featured in an episode of the Texas Country Reporter. Cassandra also adored her senior chihuahua, MoMo, a regular at the Port Aransas Community Dog Park where she loved interacting with the locals’ dogs.

She is survived by her son Harrison Clark (Christi); her mother, Sandra Clark; brother Rob Clark (Robin) and their children Hailey and Robert V; brother Bruce Clark (Wendy); her pride and joy granddaughter Evelyn Clark; her cherished dog MoMo; and many relatives and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cassandra’s name to:

The Ark (Amos Rehabilitation Keep) c/o Andrew, 750 Channel View, Port Aransas, TX 78373 or on their website: friendsoftheark.org OR PeeWee’s No-Kill Animal Shelter, 1307 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78417 or on their website: peeweespaws.com/donate.

A memorial service for Cassandra will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St Joseph Catholic Church, 100 North Station St, Port Aransas, TX. A rosary will be held at 12:30 pm with services commencing at 1 pm. A graveside service will be held afterwards at Royal Palm Cemetery. Should they wish, guests are invited to wear “punny” shirts; tiaras are welcome too.