Remembering Yvonne Clark: Honoring a Life Embraced by Love, Family, and Resilience

Our mother Yvonne Clark was called home to eternal rest on April 14, 2024, at the age of 85.
The eldest of three children, Yvonne was born on October 29, 1938, from the union of Samuel
Arthur Clark, Sr., and Bessie Beatrice Whitehead Clark. She was preceded in death by both
parents and a brother, Thomas Whitehead.

Yvonne’s journey began in Edgecombe County, NC, where her family’s embrace and rich
heritage shaped her spirit. While her roots ran deep in Portsmouth, VA with her parents and
siblings Annie Marie Young and Samuel A. Clark, Jr., her heart always found solace on the
Whitehead family farm in Elm City, NC, where she was cherished by her grandmother, Olis H.
Williams, and Aunt Celesta W. Dantzler. It was on the family farm, where she developed her
close bond with her cousin James “Ben” Whitehead.

Yvonne attended Mt. Hermon Elementary School and I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth,
VA before moving to Elm City, NC where she graduated in 1956 from Fredrick Douglas High
School with distinction. She continued her education at North Carolina A&T State University.
Navigating the highs and lows of life’s journey together, Yvonne shared a loving bond with her
siblings Thomas, Marie, and Sam, and Cousin Ben. She was blessed with three children, Marcus
T. Clark, Thomas A. Clark, and Tony X. Clark. She loved and cherished her three grandchildren:
Samuel Alexander Clark, Tasha Renee Smith, and Samuel Arthur Clark III, and great grandson,
Michael Clark.

Her magnetic personality drew people near, creating moments filled with laughter and
meaningful conversations which became an asset in various customer service roles throughout
her career. Over the years, she worked for Gary’s Cleaners (Portsmouth VA), substitute teacher
(Wilson and Nash Counties NC), Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co (Wilson NC), and Lane Bryant
(Gaithersburg MD). Her last job with the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles
(Gaithersburg, MD), where she received several recognition awards and worked until failing
health resulted in her retirement, was her favorite job.

Yvonne’s commitment to service was evident in her volunteer work with the American Red
Cross supporting military families, and in her active participation in the United Order of Tents,
Cedar Green Tent #358. She was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville MD.

Yvonne is survived by her three sons: Marcus Clark (Leslyn) West Hartford CT, Thomas Clark
(Patrice) Olney MD, Tony Clark (Carol) Manhattan Kansas; her siblings: A. Marie Young Vallejo
CA and Samuel Clark Jr. (Barbara) Rockville MD; her grandchildren: Samuel “Alex” Clark
(Destiny) Stockbridge GA, Tasha Smith (Shelby, great grandson Michael) Wamego KS, and
Samuel Clark III West Hartford CT; her niece Charmayne Sterling (Kafele) San Pablo, CA; and a
host of cousins, friends, and loved ones.