Johnnie G. R. Clark

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

Johnnie G.R.

Clark Alpha 11/14/1927

Omega 01/20/2015

I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.

II Timothy 4:7

Johnnie G.R. Clark 11/14/1927 - 01/20/2015

Her Story Johnnie G.R. Clark

was the daughter of the late Ida D. Rogers and Ben Rogers.

She was born and reared in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana. She consecrated her life to the Lord at eleven (11) years of age at our beloved Zion, Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Jim Brown. The Reverend Howard Thomas Primm was assigned to Union Bethel shortly thereafter; under whose administration she was baptized by immersion in the church's pool.

Pews filled the Fellowship Hall where Sunday School was taught. The younger children were given Sunday School cards with pictures of Jesus or one of His Disciples on the front, and on the back of the cards the messages were evident. The Sunday School teachers, one of whom was Mrs. Mary Bell Laws, who was also the Superintendent, would explain what each message entailed.

On Sunday evenings, the Allen Christian Endeavor League conducted Bible Study. Those meetings always sponsored activities for the young people. This was prior to Mrs. Laws being ordained an Elder. Reverend Laws worked diligently and reverently with the children and young adults. In Mrs. Clark's words, "Reverend Laws taught us a lot." The children's choir had programs in progress all the time. Professor Valmore W. Victor was the organist. Mr. Charles Bailey was secretary of the Class Leaders.

Mrs. Clark attended Wicker Elementary School and graduated from Wicker High School, which was located on Canal Street where the Pan American Building is presently housed.

The late Bishop Howard Thomas Primm, then Reverend Primm, joined Mrs. Clark and Sergeant Foch Leonard Clark in holy matrimony December 23, 1945- They traveled extensively for fifteen (15) years; Alabama, Florida, Fort Hood, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Chicago, Illinois, Gary, Indiana.

Whenever they re-visited New Orleans, Mrs. Clark always visited Union Bethel. When they were furloughed, she returned to New Orleans and re-connected with Union Bethel where she has served and continues to serve untiringly as a member of various auxiliaries: The Daughters of Allen, Mrs. Elizabeth Frank, President; The Rose of Sharon, Mrs. Emma M. Richardson, President; The Chancellor Choir, Mrs. Juliet C. Kimp, Director, where Mrs. Clark served as Financial Secretary; She loved gospel music. She sang in the Gospel Choir; served as Vice President, and was later elected to the presidency. Mrs. Clark always looked forward to the Annual Musical "Old Time Gospel Jubilee"; She is a member of Choir Number Three; Served on the Board of Directors for the Cathedral Choir Still Together for Christ.

Was counselor for the Gospel Soul Children under the directorship of Mr. Albert Hadley.

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Her Story continued…

Mrs. Clark loved the Lord - without reservations. She declared Jesus her all in all. "He's the world to me." Her testimony was "He's my everything."

Favorite passages of scripture - Psalms 23rd and 27th Favorite hymns - "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow". Mrs. Clark was a licensed cosmetologist and a certified Nurse's Aid. Mrs. Clark's employment included agencies such as the: > Office of Human Development (OH])) Welfare Department > Family Services Adult Protection (OH])) > Child Protection Crisis Intervention (15 years) > Youth Study Center - Orleans Parish School Board Mrs. Clark was employed as Foster Grandparent with Associated Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans, assisting both Pre—K Instructor, - Ms. Jacqueline Washington, and First Grade Instructor - Ms. Ledwena Bandy, at Corpus Christi Catholic School.

Mrs. Clark enjoyed reaching out and touching the lives of others in a positive aspect. She said "If I can do some kind deeds as I go along this way, then my living will not be in vain; that others can see the Christ likeness in me." Mrs. Clark's personal ministry was giving of herself to others. She was truly a soldier in the army of the Lord. A true member of the body of Christ; grateful for her Christian family and her immediate family.

In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina occurred, Johnnie spent the last 8 1/2 years at Paris Retirement Village in Paris, Texas. Johnnie returned home to New Orleans on December 29 2014 then 21 days later God called her home.

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Order of Service Honoring the Life & Legacy of

Johnnie G.R. Clark Heritage Funeral Home 4101 St. Claude Avenue * New Orleans, LA 70117 Saturday, January 31, 2015 * 10:00 am Opening Prayer ……………………..……………..………..………… Minister Corey Thomas Opening Hymn …………………………………..……….………………….……........................

Scripture Readings Psalms 27:1-6 ………………………………….….…………….. Debbie A. Hunt Psalms 23 ……………………………………..………………. Tieyonne S. Hunt Reflections: Yvonne S. Buggage Family & Friends (5 minutes)

Visiting Ministers Poetic Expressions ………………………… (Niece) ...…………………. Denise M. Hunt-Hall Music Ministry …………………………………………………………………..............................

Reading of Obituary ……………………………………………………...……………..................

Music Ministry …………………………………………………….……………………………….

Expressions of Gratitude ……………..…..……….………………………………………………

Words of Encouragement …………………………………………………………………………

Recessional …………………………….. I’ll Fly Away ……………………….. Music Ministry

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Family Love

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Poetic Expressions A Message from Johnnie G.R. Clark

Do not weep my family, my friends do not cry, Though sadness may rest deep inside; For I am in a better place, Where God’s own light shines on my face.

Where pain and sorrow are no more, I am standing at my Father’s door And there’s no beauty quite as great, As the beauty that lies behind heaven’s gate.

And now my reward has finally come, The toils of life are finally done; And I can rest now in his grace, Where God’s own light shines on my face.

Thank God for my soul’s resting, Thank God for I’ve been blessed, Thank God for all who loved me, Praise God who loved me best.

It ain’t nothing but a God!!!

All My Love, Johnnie G.R. Clark

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever

Psalms 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Precious Memories

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Miss Me But Let Me Go A million times we will miss her A million times we will cry If love alone could have saved her She would have never died In life we loved you dearly In your death we will love you still In our hearts we will hold a place No other can fill The golden gate stood open God saw you needed rest His garden must be beautiful For He always picks the best

Johnnie G.R. Clark November 14, 1927

– January 20,

2015

Acknowledgements The family of Johnnie G.R. Clark wishes to express deep thanks an appreciation to all of you for your kind deeds and prayers. May God shower his blessings on each of you.

Sincerely, The Family

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Corey Thomas, Tyrone Hall, Mr. & Mrs. Byron A. , Sr. & Yvonne Buggage., Mr. & Mrs. Attrice & Deborah Mosley of Paris, TX, Sharon Brown & Family of Paris, TX, Corey Smith, Still House Nursing Home, Jo Ellen Smith Living Center, West Jefferson Medical Center, Hospice Compassus, Heritage Funeral Directors and devoted friends, Roselia Hall, Gloria Nellon, Kathy Womack, Rita Steele, Helen Lewis, Jean Blackwell, Barbara Blackwell, Rosalie Brown, Marie Givens & Family, The Fulton Family, Shelita Dupree, Anna McCarter, Alene Frieson and Cousin Marie McElwee of McComb, MS

Arrangements:

Designed by “Our Celebrations of Life� (504) 453-2186 or (504) 338-8753 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com