Sylvia Lee Beck Clark

On August 1, 2016, after a long and inspiring struggle against Parkinson’s, Sylvia Lee (Beck) Clark passed on to her much deserved rest and reward. She is the daughter of Robert E. Beck, and Lois (Cash) Beck. She is survived by Donald N. Clark, her husband of 58 years; her children Susan (Clark) Sommers and husband Bob, Jeff Clark and wife Linda and Stacy (Clark) Jonsson; and Sylvia’s sister Alisa (Beck) Peterman and husband Todd. Her family legacy includes seven grandchildren—Josh Sommers and wife Ressie, Taryn Gamble, Mara (Gamble) Lezgus and husband Chris, Joel Sommers, Mikayla Clark, Hannah Clark, and Joseph ‘Trey’ Gamble and a great-grandchild, Declan, ‘on the way’. Sylvia was a graduate of the Young High Class of ’56, and went on to attend Knoxville Business College. Her work career was long and varied. She began working in the Knox Department Store and later took up administrative and secretarial roles at the University Hospital Personnel Department, the University Dairy Department, and the Tennessee Asphalt Company. Sylvia was perhaps best known professionally for her work as the Executive Secretary for the Sheriff’s Merit Council from 1966-1975. She later served as both an investigator for that board, and on the council. In later years, she served on the board of Sommers Communication as Finance Officer.

Sylvia also ran private businesses during her career including being a cosmetics consultant, being the owner/operator of Futuristic Boutique, and the owner/operator of Easy Elegance--a health and weight loss business. She was a life-long native of South Knoxville and attended the South Knoxville Church of Christ for over six decades. She took great joy serving the people she knew and loved her whole life. Although professionally successful, her favorite role was as a mother and grandmother and all the duties that entailed. She was ‘PTA mom’, a chaperone, and a ‘band mom’ through the years her children were in school. She was a constant source of support and advice and empathy for the many children whose lives she touched through the years—both hers and the ones she took into her heart as her own. Those who knew her will always remember the meals she prepared, the times she spent with them in quiet conversation, and will never look at a rocking chair without thinking of her. She will be missed until we see her again. The family would like to extend thanks to A. D. Baxter and the Parkinson’s support group; the dedicated friends of her “Lunch Bunch” and the nurses and caregivers who made her final time much more comfortable. A celebration of life for Sylvia will be held at the South Knoxville Church of Christ on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 5 until 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the South Knoxville Church of Christ Food Pantry Fund. (Church information: 865-577-9036, 4604 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920). Condolences may be offered at berryfuneralhome.com.