Mother Barbara Jean Clark

Obituary “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” ~II Thessalonians 4:13-14~ Barbara Jean (Washington) Clark transitioned on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Florida Hospital. She was born December 9, 1934 to the late Walter L. Washington, Sr. and Mary L. Washington in Orlando, Florida. She received her formal education within the Orange County Public School System. She was a devoted and loving wife to her husband of sixty-six years, Cleveland Clark, Sr. whom she wedded on April 23, 1952. Together, they raised seven children. Because she was a devoted mother, she would go on to help raise some of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grand children; and she adored them all. She would say to them when they misbehaved… “I’ma get you.” She enjoyed cooking, sewing, traveling and shopping. Did I say shopping? Mother Clark often testified that as she was seeking the Lord for her salvation, she would talk to herself saying…”well I thought if you have the Holy Ghost you are saved”. However, a voice troubled her saying…”but have you got it?” This stirred her desire to seek the Lord intensely until she received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in the name of Jesus in 1959. She presented her body as a living sacrifice with no desire to look back, up until her death. It was not uncommon for her to break out in one of her favorite songs, “If I Go Back Now I Won’t Get My Crown, I Won’t Get My Crown When Jesus Come.” While Mother and Bishop were members under the auspices of Elder James Mims, when the anointing would flow, the late Mother Mildred Priester would prompt Sister Clark to “sing, sing, sing!” She would say to herself, “why she telling me to sing?” Then in 1963, he sent Elder Clark to Eatonville, Florida to Pastor. Mother then understood why she had to sing. She served faithfully in many capacities in her local church. For over 35 years, she also served as the financial secretary for the Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc. organization. Mother was never concerned about accolades or titles. She just wanted to “do whatever her hands found to do as unto the Lord.” Mother Clark is preceded in death by her parents, Father: Walter L. Washington, Sr. and Mother: Mary L. Washington; Sons: Joseph J. Clark and Timothy W. Clark, Sr.; Daughters: Phyllis L. Delanie, Patricia A. Clark and Betty J. Ellis (god-daughter); Sisters: Aileen McCallum and Loretta Warren; and Brothers: Nathaniel Washington and Thomas Washington. She leaves to cherish precious memories; a loving and devoted husband, Bishop Cleveland Clark, Sr.; Son: Cleveland Clark, Jr. and Special Son: Irwin Harris, both of Eatonville, Florida; Daughters: Sylvia J. Scott (Apostle Willie Scott, Jr.) of Portsmouth Virginia; Cynthia D. Clayton of Eatonville, Florida; Two Brothers: Walter L. Washington of Sanford, Florida and Ronnie Washington of Orlando, Florida; Three Sisters: Juanita Kelly, Edna Hart and Shirley Graham all of Orlando, Florida; Uncle: J.B. Hooks of Arlington, Virginia; (11) grandchildren, (30 great grandchildren, (22) great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mother Barbara Jean Clark

December 9, 1934 - July 16, 2018