Funeral Program for Mary Elizabeth Shields Clark

Mary Elizabeth Shields ClarkLate in the mid-day of February 2, 2014, God sent down his loving angels to call Mary E. Shields Clark to her final resting place.

Mary was born on March 6, 1926 in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, to the late Arthur Shields and Lucille Miller Shields. Anyone who knew Miss Mary as she was called in the

community knew of her smile and her never-ending supply of peppermints and gum. Miss Mary was the epitome of a southern lady, always impeccably dressed and always with a kind word or encouragement.

Mary lived in the city of Hendersonville for over 50 years, most of it on the corner of 4th Ave East, until 2007 when she moved to Charlotte NC to be with her granddaughter and later her daughter. Many mornings and afternoons you could find her on the porch greeting everyone that passed by. Black or white, young or old, rich or poor, everyone was treated to that signature Clark hospitality. Miss Mary never encountered a stranger.

Mary was married to the late Olin Clark for 45 years. Fiercely independent, she could be seen driving around town in her little blue car, shopping and hitting the flea markets. Mary worked as a loyal housekeeper for the Hunter and Crowell families for decades. She was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC.

Miss Mary had a phenomenal wit and zest for life. Even in her last days she could be caught smiling and stealing a piece of Carrot Cake.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, Arthur Shields and Lucille Miller Shields, and her loving husband Olin Clark.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter Tanja (Ann) Williams (Savannah, Jr.), of Charlotte, NC, two grand children Elder James R. Byrd, Jr. (Yvette) and J’Mes Dixon (Desiree) both of Charlotte, NC, six Great-grandsons Nyghel , Jhymel, Myel, Patrick, Taviel Byrd and Taj’Omari Eaton, and one Great-grand daughter Lailani Smith, all of Charlotte, NC, her special friend Trish Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and adopted family.

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and

not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”Psalm 100

Prelude Mye’l Byrd and Tavie’l Byrd(great-grandsons)

ProcessionalFinal Viewing

Selection

Scripture Old Testament great -grandson New Testament great-grandson

Prayer of Comfort Elder Savannah Williams Jr. (son in law)

Solo Grand Daughter, J’Mes Dixon

Remarks (2 mins.)

Duet Nyghe’l Byrd and Mye’l Byrd (great-grandsons)

Acknowledgements/Reading of the Obituary

Selection The DWB Family

Words of Comfort Rev. B.T. WatersUnion Grove Baptist Church

Recessional

Committal and Benediction Oakdale Cemetery

order of service

Acknowledgements

The Family of Mary Clark wishes to acknowledge with deepest appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown them during their hour of bereavement.

May God Bless and Keep You.

Special Acknowledments to: Presbyterian/Novant Hospital, Tabernacle Baptist Church, the eXperience Church Charlotte, Life Baptist Church, McCrorey YMCA, and the Union Grove

Baptist Church Families.

intermentOakdale Cemetary - 6th Ave - Hendersonville, NC

repastUnion Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not

to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8