Obituary of Gwendolyn Turner Clark

Dr. Gwendolyn Turner Clark was born on June 5, 1932 in Gilmer, Texas to the late Plural Turner and Dilla Hamilton Turner. Dr. Clark attended Gilmer Public Schools. She acknowledged her faith in Christ at an early age and was a devoted member who served passionately at St. Luke United Methodist “Community” Church until her health failed. Dr. Clark was married to the late Otis Lee Clark and they have two children Melody Clark Fletcher and Gary Clark. As a lifelong Dallas resident, she was actively involved in making it a great community in which to live. Dr. Clark received a Bachelor of Science Degree (Cum Laude) from Texas College in Tyler, Texas where she graduated at the age of 19 and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She earned a Master’s Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and a Doctorate Degree in Education from Nova University. Dr. Clark long and successful professional career began as a classroom school teacher for the Dallas Independent School District (D.I.S.D). She also worked as a school administrator and retired as an elementary school principal after 36 years of exceptional professional service in 1986. She thoroughly enjoyed the field of education. Dr. Clark mentored many young people in pursuing a career in the field of education. Dr. Clark was well known for her community service work and generosity. She was a Lifetime and Golden Member of the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. She received several distinguish honors and awards such as 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee for the African American Education Archives and History Program, St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church 2010 Imani Circle Legacy Award, and the Dallas Urban League Legacy Award. Dr. Clark served on many non-profit organization boards such as Rainbow Days, Inc., AARP and the African American Museum of Dallas. She was a former owner and board member of Black & Clark Funeral Home. Affectionally known to many as “Gwen, Aunt Gwen and Mama Gwen” she provided financial support to many young people pursuing a college education as well as sharing her wealth of knowledge on how to succeed in life. She volunteered at several social services organizations throughout the Dallas Community and supported many families impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Clark peacefully entered eternal rest leaving to cherish her loving memories: one daughter, Melody Clark Fletcher (Calvin), one son, Gary Clark both of Dallas, Texas and five grandchildren, Gary Clark Jr. (Dallas), Kayson Fletcher, Kayleen Fletcher, Kayronne Fletcher, Kamel Fletcher and two great-grandchildren Malachi Carter and Zehavi Noel Benjamin (Brooklyn, NY). Three sisters-in-law: Annie L. Lee, Vernita Evans and Loraine Grover (Dallas). She leaves a host of Godchildren, relatives and dear friends to cherish her memories.