Willie Clark

SUNRISE October 26, 1944

SUNSET

November 29, 2021

L I F E

R E F L E C T I O N S Willie James Clark was born on October 26, 1944 to the late Willis Gene and Carrie Bell Clark in Fairfield Alabama. He was the youngest of two children, Melva Jean, his sister, who preceded him in death.

He accepted Christ into his life as Lord and Savior at the Langley Avenue Church of God on 62nd and Langley Ave in Chicago.

As a young man, Willie attended Chicago Vocational High School. He attended Richard J. Daley College. He first started his military career in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic. He later enlisted into the United States Army and served several tours. After 20 years, he retired from the US Army Reserves as a Sergeant First Class.

On March 3, 1973, he was united in Holy Matrimony with Eubie Sylva who preceded him in death in the year 2014. They were blessed in this union with a loving daughter, Natasha.

Willie worked for the Chicago Transportation Authority, before changing careers, and completing the Police Academy to become a Chicago Police Officer. He was a devoted worker.

Willie worked for the Chicago Police Department at District #10 for many years, and eventually went to District #1 prior to his retirement in 2005 after working 38 years. Thereafter, he worked as a part-time Security Officer at the Chicago Park District and retired from that job in 2018.

On Monday, November 29, 2021, at Little Company of Mary Hospital, Willie received God’s calling to come home. He leaves to cherish many memories, a loving daughter Natasha Osei Bonsu (Daniel); niece and nephews Michelle, Michael, Keith, Rudolph, several cousins, other dear relatives and friends.

Order of Service Saturday, December 11, 2021 Celebration of Life - 10:30am Blake Lamb Funeral Home 4727 W. 103rd Street Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Gathering Greeting Opening Prayer Lessons from the Holy Scriptures Musical Selections Tributes (limit 2 minutes) Eulogy Rev. Richard Rochelle

Sr. Pastor, Prayer Band Pentecostal Church

Obituary (to be read silently) Benediction

“Safely Home”

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade?

Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s Will.

There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth and you shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!

Dear Dad, I can’t believe the day has come where I don’t get to hear your voice every day. This hurts more than you’ll ever know. You’ve been my provider, protector, and overall, just a loving father. You always called me your baby, no matter how old I was, and you were quick to tell people to “leave my baby alone” if someone was messing with me. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to raise me. Sometimes you’d tried to act like you have a tough exterior, but you were the most loving, kind, generous and caring person that anyone could know. I know now that you have joined mom, and both of you are watching over me now. I will continue to make you proud. Until we meet again.

Love, Your Baby Dear Brother Willie, I will miss you dearly. I will miss our haggling back and forth because you were “always right”. I met you when I was 12 years old and you never changed. You were always genuine and full of advice.

What I really want to say is “THANK YOU Brother Willie”! Thank you for the trips back and forth to Missouri taking my daughter to Mizzou. Thank you for your kindness to me and my children Thank you for making me feel like I was your Sister without the “in-law” Thank you for being such an excellent father to my Niece. Finally thank you for loving my sister until the day she transitioned!

You were one of a kind.

Love, Your Sister Karen

Beloved Uncle Willie was a kind, gentle, caring and strong man who loved the Lord, his family and friends. His character and love were demonstrated every day. As a Fatherlike figure and Uncle in my life, he was always very present in my life and supportive of me. As I was blessed with a family, he graciously extended his love to them as well.

Our hearts are very heavy at the loss of Uncle Willie, but we thank God for the time we spent with him and the experiences we shared. Our fond memories of Uncle Willie will live on and we are joyful and at peace, knowing that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his beloved wife, mother, sister and other family and friends who were called up before him. May God continue to bless and keep Uncle Willie’s soul, and comfort all of us who mourn his loss.

Rudy Malone and family Dear Uncle Willie, Our conversations, jokes and laughter has now ended but the love, memories and gleeful spirit remains. I thank God for allowing us to share moments of time and space together.

Your light will always remain within my heart.

Much love, your niece Michelle Malone.

Interment Evergreen Cemetery 3401 W. 87th Street | Evergreen Park, IL 60805 Pallbearers

Jason Sylva Stephen Sylva Willie Campbell

Jermaine Sylva Rudolph Malone Frank Jackson

Honorary Pallbearers Kendahl Givens Earl Sylva Acknowledgments The family of Willie J. Clark, would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Your telephone calls, text messages, emails and floral tributes have all been greatly appreciated. You have made this difficult time, easier with your kind words, thoughtfulness and prayers. May God bless each of you.