Mary Koval Clark

Mary Koval Clark, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Candler, North Carolina, at the age of 104. Born on August 9, 1921, in Lakewood, Ohio, she exemplified a life of service and compassion.

Mary Koval Clark served her country honorably as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy during World War II from 1940 to 1945. During her distinguished tenure, she held the esteemed position of the ranking Navy Nurse at Guantanamo Bay. Her exemplary service included overseeing the Navy Nurse Corps and witnessing the historic Japanese surrender on the USS Missouri, which she then signed the surrender document as a witness. For this significant contribution, she received recognition from the Smithsonian Institute, an honor that reflects her commitment and valor.

After the war, Mary continued her dedication to helping others by pursuing a career in nursing. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Cook County School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to work as a nurse and teach maternity classes at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a remarkable blend of professionalism and caring, qualities that endeared her to many.

Mary was not only admired for her career but also cherished for her loving family spirit. She was a longtime member of Hominy Baptist Church, where she found community and connection through her faith. Moreover, Mary was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her contributions to Rotary International.

She is survived by her four children: Carol C. Hensley and husband David, Bonnie E. Clark, Mary Jane Altizer and husband Mike, and Thomas Andrew Clark. Her family also includes three grandchildren: A. Hunter Clark and wife Chelsea, Kramer T. Clark and wife Mckenzie, and Carly E. Hylen and husband Phillip, as well as four great-grandchildren: Aelin, Elyse, Landon, and Rylin.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Louis Clark, who passed away on July 11, 2007; her parents, Albert Koval and Anna Koval; and her brother, Al Koval.

Visitation and funeral services for Mary Koval Clark will be held at Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home, located at 1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM with Rev. Paul Raybon and Rev. Melissa Hughes officiating. The North Carolina Nurse Honor Guard will provide Nurse Funeral Honors and burial will follow at Lewis Memorial Park with Military Funeral Honors provided by the U.S. Navy.

Her legacy of love, dedication, and resilience will remain in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or to Crossfire Ministries International at crossfireministry.com

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Mrs. Clark's family.