Thelma Clark

With full hearts and tearful eyes, we announce the passing of Thelma "Memmaw" Clark, a woman of rare grace, strength, and profound impact, who departed this world peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 94. She lived a life of unwavering faith and fierce devotion to her family, and her presence was nothing short of legendary to all who knew her.

Born in Ridgely, Tennessee, during the hardships of the Great Depression, Thelma's childhood in the cotton fields shaped a lifelong resilience. She married the love of her life, Wardene Anthony "Dutch" Clark, at just 16 and together they built a life defined by grit, love, and family. Raising four children-Larry, Darrel, Sherry, and Randy-she poured herself into creating a home that embodied warmth, hard work, and heart.

To many, she was a mother, to some a father figure, to others a cherished friend, and to even more, a teacher. She was the kind of woman who could drive a nail, shoot a rifle, teach a child to pray, or comfort a soul in pain-all with the same quiet authority and boundless love. At 56, she returned to school to earn her bachelor's degree, inspiring generations by proving it's never too late to pursue your dreams. She taught more than 100 children through the Head Start program and shared her voice with the world through poetry published later in life.

But beyond titles and achievements, to us she was simply "Memmaw." She was the one who taught us to be proud of who we are, to keep God first, and to love freely-even when it hurts. She was the phone call on a hard morning, the hand on your shoulder when words weren't enough, the person who always knew-even when you didn't-what your heart needed.

Thelma lived to see her greatest wish fulfilled: meeting and laughing with her great-great-grandchild. In that moment, five generations stood together-living proof of her love and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dutch and beloved sons Darrel and Randy. She is survived by her children Larry and Sherry (Terry), daughter-in-law, Dawn, 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and countless others who were lucky enough to call her friend, teacher, or family.

Her blue eyes, determination, and nurturing spirit live on in the generations that follow. Her life was a song of endurance, faith, and unconditional love-a song we will carry in our hearts forever.

Rest now, Memmaw. In your simplicity, you were extraordinary. You were the world to us-and we'll spend the rest of our lives living out the love you taught us.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to organizations supporting children, in honor of her lifelong commitment to nurturing young hearts.

Funeral services to celebrate the remarkable life of Thelma Clark will be conducted on Friday, June 20th, 2025 at 2PM from the chapel of Woodard Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Gunn officiating. Serving as active pallbearers will be Jeff Clark, Matthew Spivey, Morris Parks, Jackie Lamastus, Atley Wix and Kerry Wix. Interment will follow in the New Hope Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, June 19th from 2 till 8PM and again on Friday, June 20th from 10AM till service time at 2PM at Woodard Funeral Home.

The family has entrusted Woodard Funeral Home with the care of their loved one. "Serving you as we would like to be served."