Elna McKinney Clark

1932 - 2025

Elna McKinney Clark went to her heavenly father on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Manor on Lawndale. She was born December 29, 1932, in Mooreville to William Rufus McKinney and Manda Floy Stockton McKinney.

She lived a long and fruitful life, touching many lives. At 16 she married the love of her life, Elmer Clark, on November 25, 1949. She was attending Tupelo High School but graduated from Starkville High School in 1951. They moved around with Elmer's job and finally landed in Tupelo again. Their first daughter, Renee was born and a year later Patti was born. Elna became a Girl Scout Leader in 1961, which shaped her career. In 1967 she received the Thanks Badge which is awarded to a volunteer who has shown extraordinary support for Girl Scouts. In 1968 she became a professional Girl Scout with Prairie Girl Scout Council. As a professional she was awarded the Thanks Badge II. It was rare for anyone to be awarded both.

She retired from Girl Scouts in 1995 after 27 years and was awarded a Lifetime Membersip. Her retirement sparked a new adventure as she was appointed to the board of the Tupelo Housing Authority, which she held for 14 years. But she was still ready to serve and volunteered at the Sanctuary Village Shoppe until 2019. Throughout it all, she was very involved in family life and her church, First Baptist Church. If the doors were open, she was there. She loved people and became a greeter for the early service. I believe she knew everyone by name and if she didn't know you she fast became your friend as she never met a stranger.

Elna was a loving Mother and grandmother who doted on her grandchildren and great grandchild. She was also an expert seamstress and loved cross-stich and knitting. With the passing of her husband Elmer she lived at AvonLea/The Manor on Lawndale until her passing.

Elna is survived by her daughters, Renee Clark (Allen) and Patti Richburg (Hal); granddaughter, Jessica Hernandez (Randy); and great granddaughter, Gabriella Hernandez (Brynden).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Floy McKinney; husband, Elmer Clark; siblings, Lura Sheffield, Elzie McKinney, Niles McKinney, Voyles McKinney; and grandson, Justin Richburg.

George and Kathie Mason were great friends during her later years and her sitters were extraordinary, Alicia Anderson, Denal Moore, Helen Adams and Karen Scott.

Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mrs. Clark will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues. Burial will follow at Lee Memorial Park.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.