Betsy Ann Clark

Private services will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene.

Betsy was born on April 7, 1937, one of three daughters to the late Peter and Etta (Lindeman) Koch. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at a young age, moved to Big Bend National Park due to illness in the family. Betsy was schooled in a one-room schoolhouse the first six years at Big Bend Park. Her seventh grade year was spent in Marathon Texas Public Schools. From there, she spent her junior high years in Dayton, Ohio, staying with grandparents. She spent her high school years at the historic Wasatch Presbyterian Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Betsy attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, where she completed her bachelor’s degree.

In 1959, she started teaching public school in Odessa, Texas, where she met Donald Walcott Clark, who she married on July 1, 1960. In 1970, the Clarks moved to Abilene, where they raised their only daughter, Trecia.

During her teaching career, she achieved her master’s degree at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, and completed 30 hours towards her doctorate at Texas Tech University. After 35 years, she retired from Abilene Public Schools.

The most important part of her life was teaching boys and girls about the Lord Jesus Christ. For 45 years, she was very faithful, teaching about God’s love, mercy, and saving grace in her church. Initially, the Clarks were members of Second Baptist Church, went on to serve at Calvary Baptist Church, and eventually became members of Broadview Baptist Church.

Betsy set up libraries in two churches, which she converted to digital. Betsy loved to help others, volunteering at Hendrick Hospital, making blankets for newborns and working in the gift shop for several years. Betsy loved to travel; her favorite destination was New York City—so many sights to see. She also enjoyed the mountains, especially the Great Smoky Mountains and Rocky Mountains, with all God’s splendor on display.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister June Price. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Donald W. Clark of Abilene; her daughter, Trecia Jean Reis and husband Glen of Abilene; grandson, Coleton Yarborough of Fort Worth; sister Patti Koch; and numerous family members and friends.

In Betsy’s husband’s words, “God gave me one of his very best.” She will be missed, but not forever. Thank you Lord for the blessed hope; 64 years of a wonderful relationship.