Mary Harris Clark

1926 - 2024

Our beloved Mrs. Mary Harris Clark, family matriarch, died peacefully on February 23, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 98. She was affectionately known as "44". Mary was born February 4, 1926 to the parentage of Vera Wesley and Joseph Harris in Donaldson, Louisiana. Accepting Christ at the age of 12 was an important milestone for her. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in New Orleans was her church home where she was baptized and was an active member, for 90 years, until she died serving in various roles throughout her lifetime. She attended Bethlehem Lutheran School from the second grade through the eighth grade. After finishing her education there, she matriculated to Booker T. Washington High School. Mary then began her career at the Pontchartrain Hotel on Saint Charles Avenue serving the E. Lysle Aschaffenberg family in several different capacities. Retirement from the Pontchartrain came more than 35 years later, and she worked various jobs until she finally retired completely at the grand old age of 90. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion and several other social clubs. Mary's favorites song was "Precious Lord" and her favorite scripture was "Psalm 23". One of her favorite things to do was cook and entertain in her home for family and friends. She was the epitome of a social butterfly who was well versed in all things related to etiquette and she was always willing to have conversations on the topic. She took her role as matriarch seriously as she was always there to support the family. She had a special and loving bond with her only daughter, Audrey Anderson. Mary leaves to cherish her memories, her loving daughter Audrey T. Anderson of New Orleans, LA, grandchildren Michael (Gailene) of The Colony, TX; Kevin (Cassandra) Anderson of Rosenberg, TX; Michelle (Leo) of New Orleans, LA; and grandson-in-law Anthony Jenkins; great-grandchildren Ronnisia Blouin, Alane' Jenkins, Brittaney (Brian) Smith, Brandon (Jasmine) Anderson, Briane (Chris) Battie, Braelyn Anderson, David Mixon, Elisha Mixon, Kenneth Mixon, Christopher Brown, and Dominique Anderson; and 19 great-great-grandchildren. She also has a devoted godchild Deidre (Calvin) Johnson. We are forever grateful to her caregivers Cynthia Hayes, Brenda Jackson, Mary Mitchell, Vera Jones, and Audrey Marie Webb. Mary also loved Paula Shettenberg whom she raised and enjoyed her company since she was a baby. Preceded in death by her wonderful husband, Cooper Clark; son-in-law James Anderson, grand-daughter Rhonda Anderson Jenkins and sister Albertha Morman. Mary will be missed and will live in our hearts forever. Job well done, get your rest and fly high with the angels. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1832 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125 on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation at 9:00 a.m. Arrangement by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.