Venus Clark

Appalachia, Virginia

Flora Venus Trusley Clark, 88, of Appalachia, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a five-year battle with dementia. Venus lived life on her own terms, marked by intelligence, independence, and quiet confidence. Born in the coalfields of southwest Virginia, she led a life of lasting impact. A true renaissance woman, Venus could do it all. She led with authority and followed with grace. She served with humility and accepted service with gratitude. She moved effortlessly between daily tasks and long-term vision, always learning along the way. She achieved all of this by staying grounded in her personal relationship with Christ and remaining true to who she was.

Venus was born on August 24, 1937, in Norton, the second daughter of John and Stella Trusley. From the very beginning, she shared a special bond with her older sister, Emma. In 1958, Venus married her life partner, James "Teddy Bear" Clark. For 38 years, they shared a partnership of love until his passing in 1996. Teddy, as she fondly called him, was the quintessential community man: the physics teacher, football

coach, principal, and mayor. Venus was the career-driven woman, a dedicated medical professional and leader. Together, they formed a unique and complementary partnership, blending their strengths and passions while raising two children,Kim and Greg, with the same steadfast commitment to service that defined them both.

While her family was her purpose, her work was her passion. Venus attended Norton Elementary School from 1943 to 1950 and graduated from Appalachia High School in 1955. She continued her education at Clinch Valley College, earning a Collegiate Certificate in 1957, and then entered Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry in 1959. In 1960, she completed the Medical Technology program at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville) and earned her registration as a Medical Technologist through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in 1961. Venus devoted more than four decades to St. Mary's Hospital in Norton from 1961 to 2004, serving faithfully as Laboratory Manager. Working closely with the sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, who founded the hospital, Venus built a career that was both fulfilling and impactful. She revered "The Sisters," whose compassion profoundly shaped her own life and the lives of countless patients and families across the region.

Venus was deeply rooted in her faith and her community. She was a devout member of Appalachia Pentecostal Church and supported civic life through the Appalachia Athletic Association and Moving Appalachia Forward. Never forgetting her roots in the coal camps of southwest Virginia, she served for many years on the planning committee for the Inman Reunion. She was always traveling somewhere or working on something with her "partners in crime": her sister Emma, her brother-in-law Ray, and her sisters-in-love, Faye King Clark and Phyllis Aistrop. They all meant the world to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James "Teddy Bear" Clark; her parents, John and Stella Justice Trusley; her granddaughter, Ashton Teglas; and her son-in-law, Johnny Teglas.

Venus is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Clark Teglas of Blacksburg; her son, James Greggory Clark of Palmyra; hergrandson, Jon Clark Teglas of Blacksburg; and her sister, Emma Jean Trusley Delph of East Stone Gap. She also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

During her illness, Venus was surrounded by special friends who stood by her faithfully. It truly took a village: Phyllis Aistrop, Glen and Bet Brock, Mary Jane Fannon, Carla Cornett, Chris Fisher, Carletta Fannon, Lynda Stallard, Jan Bolling, Mary Walthall, and the teams at Warm Hearth Village and Good Samaritan Hospice (Blacksburg, Virginia) whose care and constant support brought her comfort and strength.

A committal service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, at 1 p.m. at American Legion Cemetery in Big Stone Gap with Rev. Ben Harding officiating. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery by 12:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn: Development, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24017.