Wilma Martha "Billie" DeClerk

Wilma Martha "Billie" DeClerk of Pocahontas departed this life on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the age of 98.
Mom was one of nine children, born and raised in Fayetteville. She graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in Fort Smith. She had 3 semesters in at U of A when she met John A. DeClerk, got married and started a family right away. She and Dad had 10 children and lived all their married lives (over 70 years) in Pocahontas, AR.
During her 98 years on this earth, she certainly had her share of pain, heartache, adventures and joy. She had a childlike capacity for fun all her life. Her childhood nick name was "Silly Billie". She had a generous and compassionate disposition and there wasn't anyone who knew her that didn't love her.
Mom had a passion for gardening and no matter how hard the work, she always had the best vegetable garden and the most beautiful flowers.
Mom took her vocation as a mother very seriously. She LOVED babies and children of all ages. She was our first teacher. Her lifelong love of reading and learning led her to help all her kids with schoolwork, and she always expected us to do our best in everything.
Mom loved her Catholic faith and loved Jesus in a very personal way. She was very active at St. Paul's and especially liked sponsoring RCIA candidates and bringing more souls to Christ. Years ago, she organized the first public rosary and did so for several years under the guidance of America Needs Fatima.
If anyone was in need, mom was there! She invited the needy into our already crowded home. Mom lived out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. She delivered Meals on Wheels for years, she baked her famous yeast breads for bake sales, and always made sure the Parish Priests were well fed! Mom donated blood regularly for years. She showed us by her example what it means to live out the Gospel.
Although dementia slowly robbed mom of her memories, she never lost her capacity to love. She was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her, especially during her last years in Randolph Nursing Home.
"I'LL PRAY YOU HOME!" As children and grandchildren grew up and had homes of their own, the last thing we would hear from mom as we left her driveway was, "I'll pray you home" which always meant we would have a safe trip. Well, here we are, mom. As you leave us to join Jesus, "We'll pray YOU home"!!
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of over 70 years, Johnny DeClerk; sons, Gary Douglas DeClerk and Michael DeClerk; granddaughters, Kristi Sprecher, and Lisa DeClerk; great granddaughter, Cylie Harris.
She is survived by her children, Debbie (Dave) Sprecher, J. Daniel (Jerita) DeClerk, Margaret DeClerk, Denise Johnston, Nicholas E. DeClerk, Tim (Donita) DeClerk, Greg DeClerk and Kevin (Leonie) DeClerk along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, other family members and friends.
The family would like to thank the amazing care givers at Randolph County Nursing Home where Billie resided for the last 7 years.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday, November 13, 2025, with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Nicholas DeClerk, Tim DeClerk, Greg DeClerk, Kevin DeClerk, Ben DeClerk, and Ean DeClerk.
Honorary pallbearer is J. Daniel DeClerk.

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