Sylvia Duck Clark

Mrs. Sylvia Duck Clark, a cherished member of her community, passed on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi, at the remarkable age of 91. Born on July 24, 1934, in Meridian, Mississippi, Sylvia's life was a tapestry woven with devotion, leadership, and a love for education and service.Sylvia was the daughter of George and Camille Duck and grew up in Louisville, where she graduated from Louisville High School in 1952. At LHS, she was a majorette in the school band, Miss LHS, and Louisville’s Miss Hospitality. Further pursuing her passion for learning, Sylvia went on to earn a degree in elementary education from Mississippi State College for Women. At the W, she found friendships that lasted a lifetime. One of her favorite things were the yearly trips she and her friends shared over the decades.

 She married Robert E. “Bobby” Clark, Jr. in 1958. They were married 65 years and together they embraced a life enriched by experiences. Sylvia loved her and Bobby’s time in the military, especially the time spent in New York while Bobby was stationed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After returning to Louisville, Sylvia enjoyed being a homemaker, kindergarten teacher at First Methodist Church, and owning a dress shop, Mirror Mirror.

 Her commitment to service shone brightly through her extensive involvement with First Methodist Church, where she not only sang in the choir but also served on numerous church committees. Sylvia's influence extended beyond her church as she took on active roles in the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association, even proudly serving as President. Her contributions were recognized when she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the “W.”Sylvia was a steadfast supporter of the Winston County Library and fervently involved with Friends of the Library, where she earned a place in the Friends of the Library Hall of Fame. She engaged actively in various organizations, including the daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Music Club, Fortnightly Club, Junior Auxiliary, Belle Arts, the Emmaus community, Republican Women, Friends of Legion Park, and was named Louisville/Winston County Woman of the Year. 

Sylvia is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Clark, and her parents.

 She is survived by her son, George Robert (Gwen) Clark of Noxapater, MS; and her daughter, Camille (Keith) Ball of Madison, MS; nine grandchildren: Mamie Clark (Kyle) Krebs, Carol Anne (Taylor) Bussell, Jackson (Abby) Clark, Amzi Ball (Ryan) Johnson, Story Ball, Callie Ball, Iris (Taylor) Dean, Watson Ball, and Joshua Ball; and four great-grandchildren: Jamison Krebs, Brody Bussell, Dylan Bussell, and Sylvie Camille Johnson.Funeral services will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 6th, at First Methodist Church, with Rev. Mike Childs and Rev. Damon Williams officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:00 P.M. until the service time. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, with pallbearers including Jackson Clark, Watson Ball, Joshua Ball, Kyle Krebs, Ryan Johnson, Taylor Bussell, and Taylor Dean.

The Clark family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Gentry and the staff of the Beehive for the excellent care they provided for Sylvia. 

Sylvia Duck Clark leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a true testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back to a community that she loved dearly.

Memorials in Sylvia’s memory may be made to First Methodist Church, P. O. Box 523, Louisville, MS, 39339, or Friends of the Library, 100 West Park Street, Louisville, MS, 39339.