Charles Clark Jr.

Beginnings: Today, our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss and celebrate the legacy of our beloved Charles Clark, Jr. “Charlie”. His bright light and big heart has gone to be with the Lord. We will remember his warmth, love, and kindness as he reigned as the patriarch of his family and wore many hats with dutiful service. Charles taught us all some fundamental lessons while he journeyed through life. Of which, the most memorable was to develop a sense of impenetrable generosity. During times of need he would say, “What can I do to help?”. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, in-law, cousin, and friend who was always there when we needed him. He will live in the hearts of many family, friends, and members of the community.

The Blessed Life of Charles Clark, Jr. began Thursday, June 5, 1947, born to the late Charles Clark, Sr. and Florida Clark in Shaw, Mississippi and was raised by his parents, paternal grandparents, and the late Wash Ross. He was the first son, following the first daughter Rosemary, born to proud parents. Over the years many more sisters and brothers were added to his life; Rosie Lee, Alia, Charlene, Johnny, Shereline, John, Everette, Henry, Sharon, Mary, Marilyn, and Nina.

Early Years: Charles’s humble beginnings started in Shaw, Mississippi. While living in Lambrook, AR he received his early education in Elaine Industrial School District #30. Charles was reared in a household where Christian values, education, hard work, and the love and support of family were a priority and these attributes became the foundation on which he built his life. Many memorable days were spent with her sisters and brothers. Charles was a warm and generous person and would spread his love and care liberally. He allowed the quality of his relationships to determine the quality of his life. His first love was God, after that he showed his family and friends unconditional affection. After his own children, he had a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews, and all children he came in contact with loving them as his own.

Adult Years: One of the honors of Charles’s life was his bravery to serve his country in the United States Army. After being drafted as a teenager, he fought in the Vietnam War. He faced unimaginable challenges with courage and resilience. Thank God Charles returned home a hero, honorably discharged, with pure acknowledgement of the sacrifices he made for his country. His unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the fabric of American History. Your service and commitment to your country will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your service CHARLIE CLARK, JR. A Vietnam Veteran

After his military service, he came home to Lambrook, Arkansas and worked on the farm before relocating to Saginaw, MI. Charles married Vera Clark in 1966; five children were born: Norris, Ursula, Verena, Sonya, and Nee-Shon, who were the loves of his life. He later married Jeanette Clark in 2014; two step-children were added: Sabrina (Tim) Pyette and Patricia Williams. Charles also spent many years working in the auto industry, dedicating more than thirty years at General Motors before respectfully retiring in 2006.

Hobbies: Charlie enjoyed landscaping and had honed in on his craft. He spent his time after retirement enjoying board games and traveling. He also loved to joke around with his family and friends often by giving them nicknames. He had the ability to light-heartily handle almost any situation. His family will remember him for his compassion, joy, infectious smile, and the positive impact he made on anyone encountered.

Religion: Charles accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized by water under the leadership of the late Rev. Joe Willie Webb, former pastor of Brooks Chapel M. B. Church in Lambrook, AR. The water baptism took place in Old Town Lake in Lakeview, AR. He was active in his walk with Christ throughout his childhood and young adult life and enjoyed fellowshipping with his church family. In later years he reconfirmed his hope in Christ and joined the Mt. Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Marvin T. Smith in Saginaw, MI. His relationship with God was very visible through his stewardship.

Deceased Family: Charles was preceded in death by his Parents, Mother, Florida (Wash) Ross and Father Charlie (Mattie) Clark, Sr.; Grandmother, Mattie Holiday; Sisters, Rosie Lee Mubiru, Rosemary (David) Goodwine, Sherline Gum, Sharon (Jefrey) Johnson, and Teresa Duckett; Brothers, Rev. Willie Ross, John Clark, Everette Clark, and Henry Ross; Sister-in-law, Eulia Wimbley; Brothers-in-law, Izah Broadus, Sr., A.C. Wimbley, and Eddie Shaw; Aunts, Neomia Williams, Elizabeth (Oscar) Lewis, Mary (Rufus) Lee, Reddis Clark, Lorsteen Webster, Vinnie C. Robinson, Georgia Burrell, Maggie Ross, and Celia Hampton; Uncles, Louis Burrell, Richard Burrell, Henry Burrell, and Jacob Ross; Nieces, Maria Goodwine, Dr. Lashun King, Mariah Williams, Chandra Rice, Baby Jena, and Baby Pes; Nephews, Jason Clark, Baby Tyrone, and Baby Brandon.

Surviving Family: He leaves to cherish his memories and forever keep his legacy alive: his amazing and devoted wife Jeanette Clark; Daughters, Ursula Clark (Matthew) and NeeShon Clark, Saginaw, MI, Verena Clark, Arizona Sonya (Terrell) Clark, Memphis, TN; Son, Norris Clark, Dallas, TX; Stepdaughters, Sabrina (Tim) Pyette, Toledo Ohio and Patricia Williams (Leon Starkey), Detroit, MI.; Grandchildren, Lakisha (Mario) Humes, Ashley Clark, Andre Lindsey, Jr., Dreana Lindsey, Courtney Wirrick, Gary Johnson III, Tierra Jackson, Terrance Jackson, Madisyn, Morgan, and Mason; Step Grandchildren, Neiman Williams (Kali Vikery), Novian (Char) Mosby, and Jandt (Roxy) Weary; Great-grandchildren, D’ajah Jackson, Gabrielle Jackson, Mario Humes Jr., Samara Humes, Amaiyah Humes and Kyndall Johnson, Step Great-grandchildren, Leela Ledbetter, Janu Ledbetter, Zayde Weary, Kingslee Williams, and Irele Mosby, Sisters, Alie Jackson, Hampton, VA; Missionary Charlene Powell, Saginaw, MI; Mary (Robert) Slater, Memphis, TN; Marilyn (James) Golden, and Nina Ross, Benton Harbor, MI; Elaine Taylor and Patricia (Tommie) Curry, Memphis, TN Brother, Johnny (Cheryl) Ross, Raytown, TX; MI; Sisters-in-law, Jerlester Gordon-Freeman, Marvell, Brothers-in-law, Jessie (Wendy) McDaniel, Detroit, MI., Alvin Wimberly, Charlie Wimberly, Memphis, TN; God Brother, Thomas Brown, Jr., Elaine, AR; God Sister, Latunga Brown, Pine Bluff, AR; Aunt Estella Ross-Davis, Helena, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.