Anita J. Clark

Joan was born in Ardmore, OK, and graduated from Wynnewood High School. She attended Oklahoma A and M University where she met her husband, Durwood R. Clark. They were married on June 6, 1948, and had three children: R Joe Clark (Annette Bartlett), Vicki Clark Carver (Andy), and Clay Clark (Beverly). After stops in Oklahoma City, Santa Fe, Lubbock and Marietta, GA, Joan and Durwood settled in Bartlesville, OK, in 1953. Durwood worked for Phillips Petroleum Company and Joan first worked as a book keeper for Hillcrest Drug. She then took a position in the District Attorney's office and found fulfillment in the job for many years. She was appointed to the Foster Care Review Board of Washington County (Bartlesville) where she became an influential advocate and voice for foster children. Joan was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Bartlesville where she was a strong woman of faith, she walked the Christian walk, was a student of the Bible, and was a fierce prayer warrior. Joan was a loving devoted wife, sister, mother, and "grandmommy". She shared Durwood's dream of having a Christ centered family and she poured herself into helping her children accomplish their goals. Joan received satisfaction and fulfillment as she helped sustain the family farm in Bartlesville. Joan moved to Wichita Falls, TX, in 2005, to be closer to family.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Fay (Hughes) and Earl McElhaney, her parents in law, Jessie and Richard Clark, her husband of 49 years, Durwood R. Clark, her daughter Vicki Clark Carver, and one brother, Wayman McElhaney.

Those left to cherish her memory include, brother: Jim McElhaney of Farmington, NM, sons; R. Joe Clark (Annette Bartlett) of Marana, AZ, Clay Clark (Beverly) of Wichita Falls, TX, son -in-law, Andy Carver, a former daughter-in-law, Sarah, eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan spent nearly 11 years in the House of Hope, Wichita Falls, TX, where she was fighting Alzheimer's Disease. She fought with courage, grace, dignity, humor, and toughness. A visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home from 6 to 8PM.

A service is going to be held at Arnold Moore and Neekamp Funeral Home in Bartlesville, OK, on February 19, 2022 at 11 AM. Graveside Service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville, OK.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the loving and supportive staff at the House of Hope for their care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com for the Clark family.