Elizabeth Cloninger Clark

CHARLOTTE – Elizabeth Cloninger Clark, 92, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2013. Born on October 16, 1920, her family moved to Lenoir in her early childhood years. She excelled in her musical studies, and attended Interlochen Arts Academy several summers, studying String Bass and Harp. Elizabeth has a B.S. degree in Instrumental Public School Music from Queens College and a M.A. in Elementary Education from Winthrop University.

She taught in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg City Schools for twenty-five years. Elizabeth was the Principal Harpist for the Charlotte Symphony and Opera Orchestras and also played for the Charlotte Oratorio Orchestra, church services, weddings, receptions, and social events. For many years she assisted her husband, John, a choir director of Charlotte area church choirs, as a Music Librarian and was a member of the chancel and handbell choirs.

Elizabeth was a founding member of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Harp Society (AHS) and served as President and Historian of the chapter and Southeastern Regional Director of the Board of the AHS. She was a member of Alpha Sigma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, and the Mecklenburg Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is preceeded in death by her husband, John E.W. Clark, in 1990 and her son, John W. H. Clark (Chip) in 2012. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Lucy Clark Scandrett, son-in-law, Dr. John F. Scandrett, and granddaughter, Lara Christine Scandrett of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Clare Bridge Place at Carriage Club, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte for their excellent care of Elizabeth this past year.

Friends will be received at Harry and Bryant, 500 Providence Road, on Monday, August 5, 2013 from 6 until 8 pm. The Funeral Service, conducted by Stephen Minister Robert L. Kennedy, will be held on Tuesday, August 6th at 11 am in the Chapel of Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum, 5400 Monroe Road.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Charlotte Chapter of the AHS, Clare Bridge at Carriage Club of Charlotte or Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte.