Jonesboro - Gladys Marie Clark, 91, of Jonesboro, died Thursday, May 21, 2020. She was born on November 12, 1928, in Rockford, Illinois. She was the daughter of Lewis and Sally Ann Burris Clark. Gladys married H. Gene Clark on May 29, 1948, in Rockford. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gene and fourth son, Steven Rodney. She leaves behind seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Gladys held several jobs in her work life, including eleven years with the Salvation Army where she was recognized for outstanding service at her retirement. Her true legacy is the family she raised and nurtured until the time of her passing. If asked, she would cite her role as homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Large numbers of nieces, nephews, in-laws, siblings, and friends would say she was much more.

Her children include Patricia Clark Blake, Roger Clark, David Clark, Lloyd Clark, Steven Clark, Paul Clark, Dennis Clark, and Donna Clark. All graduated from the Bono/Westside School District, which she and Gene counted as one of their greatest accomplishments. Eight graduation pictures hung in their living room as long as she lived in her home. Education was vitally important to her. Seeing her children succeed took priority in her life. She followed the activities of each child, sitting through endless sporting events, recitals, graduation ceremonies, weddings, and honorariums, even when it meant she took some kids in her car to one event while her husband took others to a different activity at the same time.
She also followed the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the same way. Her grandchildren include Tara Blake Gatewood, Courtney Clark Hays, Angela Clark Wilson, Jeremiah Clark, Melissa Clark Ainley, Melinda Clark Becker, Erika Clark Jernigan, Geoffrey Clark, Michael Clark, Kelly Clark Merritt, Ashley Clark Strickland, Christy Clark Wells, Bradley Clark, Kacee, Kadee, and Kenzee Wilkins-Clark. Twenty-one great-grandchildren knew her love and nurture. She believed her daughters-in-law, Julie Berry Clark, Aneda Poe Clark, Tara Kerr Clark, Robyn Shetley Clark, Samantha Timmons Clark, and Kim Wilkins to be valued parts of the Clark Family. All called her GiGi, a nickname created by a great-granddaughter.

Gladys Clark was the best teacher this family knew. She taught that family is the foundation of a blessed life. She exemplified a life of sacrifice for worthwhile goals. She showed her children that love, not wealth, was the only true security. Until the day she left the earth, her concern was the welfare of the family she had created. This lady will be missed beyond measure.

First United Methodist Church, Jonesboro, was her church home.

She passed from this life in the devoted care of the staff at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the outdoor pavilion at Pine Log Cemetery near Brookland.

The Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home. Reverend John Miles, pastor of First United Methodist Church will officiate.

All family and friends are welcome. We encourage everyone to practice social distancing and bring a face mask.