Minister William Edward Clark, Sr. age 71, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 8, 2022 in Richmond, Virginia. He was born on July 29, 1950 in Harlem Heights/Oak Hill, West Virginia to the late Tom and Alfreda Clark. Out of this union, he was the youngest of 7 children.
Shortly after graduating from Collins High School, in Oak Hill, West Virginia, Minister Clark moved to Brooklyn, New York. While working together, he met and married Geronnie Bethea. They had two children William Clark, Jr. and Crystal Clark while still living in New York. Minister Clark’s mother and most of his siblings were living in Columbus, Ohio so he decided to move and raise his family there. After relocating to Columbus, they had a third child, Lisa Clark.
While living in New York, Minister Clark worked in healthcare and for the post office. In Columbus, Ohio, he owned a neighborhood convenience store for a short time and later began a 25 year career with the Ohio Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. During his career, he held several positions with the department. One position allowed him to use his craftsmanship of sewing. Throughout his life, he often tapped into his creative side; he hand-made jewelry and sold his pieces at craft shows and conferences. While still working, he became a caretaker for his wife, Geronnie until her death in 2006.
Minister Clark was a long time faithful member of Pool of Bethesda, CLGI. Under the leadership of his pastor, Bishop Joseph White, he became an ordained minister. He was proud to lead devotion and take charge of the service when called upon. Minister Clark volunteered in many positions in the church; he was in charge of the video and audio ministry, was a Christian Education teacher, cut the church grass, and served as a Trustee. For many years, Minister Clark was the Adult Choir President. Tapping into his creative side, he handmade garment bags for the choir robes and made homemade pizza kits as a choir fundraiser.
Minister Clark played the lead guitar and formed a singing group with his family, The Clark Brothers. The Clark Brothers included his son, William, Jr., nephews Franklin Jr., Mark John, and Reggie. His sister, Josephine, played the bass guitar and his wife Geronnie, directed the group. Gary Watson Jr., a close friend of the family, would later join the group as the keyboard player.
Minister Clark was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Geronnie Clark; his brother, Thomas Clark; sisters, Ernestine Clark, Freda Lee Clark, and Bertha Holmes. He is survived by his son, William Clark Jr. (Maryland); daughters, Crystal Clark (Virginia) and Lisa Clark (Ohio); grandchildren, Ciara (William) Batson, George William Powell, Roman Clark, and Daniel Clark; siblings, Josephine Clark and James (Linda) Clark; sister-in-law, Christine Parham; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and a grand-dog Sir Riley.
Minister Clark was a generous and kind man. He helped many saints and friends when in need. In his later years before death, he became ill, and was cared for by his children. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren and listening to church services, gospel quartet music, and guitar playing online. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren, the Bethea family, and all who loved him.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 4:00PM-6:00PM at Heart and Hope by Schoedinger-Linden Memorial Chapel, 2741 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224. Family will also receive friends from 11:00AM until time of A Home Going Service at 12:00 noon on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Pool of Bethesda Church, 2600 McCutcheon Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Interment will follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estate, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
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