Terry Ann Clark

Ms. Terry Ann Williams Clark, daughter of Jake and Lautrell Williams, was born March 26, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a product of the Indianapolis Public Schools, graduating from Shortridge High School in 1966.

A little over five pounds at birth, Ms. Clark was born premature but in harmony with her destiny. She developed the rebellious but endearing spirit that engaged the world even as she at times demanded the world recognize she was here.

She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. She had formerly served on the scholarship committee for many years and as the assistant Youth Group leader at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

From her determined grasp of the “real” of the world, to her uplifting invitation to join her on the “porch,” a literal as well as real place, where all who came could join in being a part of speaking, hearing, laughing, all enjoying the joy of living and loving together. And her family, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren found her love both demanding yet equally forgiving.

Ms. Clark didn’t have a lot of patience for sulking or self pity. She was invested fully in living, almost as though she knew each day only came once. For sure, she wouldn’t let anything interrupt her experience of all each day brought.

Although her marriage to Nick Savannah Clark was short lived, to that union was born the “apple of her eye” and in her words, “the best thing that she’d ever done,” her daughter, Bridget Ann, a perfect outlet for the love she sought to foster.

She studied at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis and the Herron School of Art where she obtained her Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in art, which allowed her to pursue a love she had developed since childhood.

She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Mu Omega chapter on October 1, 1977.

She found a home in teaching ceramics in the Indianapolis Public Schools district for over 35 years after graduating college. Teaching was a perfect match for her to provide a living for herself and her daughter and to also share her desire to bring hope to other children through art, as well as the art of living life with gusto.

She was involved in various art organizations, activities and exhibits. Ms. Clark was a member of Indy Renaissance, participated in the Indianapolis Central Library’s annual Meet the Artists where her name appears on a plaque located in the library. Always interested in learning, she applied for and received an Indy Arts Council Fellowship Award to study advanced paper making in New Mexico. Some of her summers were spent teaching art at The MLK Center or accompanying young people to visit various college campuses. Her interest in African Art inspired her and an associate to invest in a 100 piece collection of authentic African art they named Pieces of Africa. Some of which is on loan to the Crispus Attucks High School Museum. In addition, she was the recipient of several awards for her work in the field of art.

She was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, relative and friend who will long be remembered and cherished for her radiant personality, infectious laugh and love of people. To know her was to love her.

Ms. Clark was preceded in death by her father and mother, Jake Nelson Williams and Lautrell Sargent Williams.

She departed this life on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 surrounded by her family. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Bridget Ann Lewis; sister, Carol Ann Carter, grandchildren, William Tyrone Lewis II and Jordan Alexandria Lewis; five great grandchildren; nephew, Joseph Carter and a host of other relatives and friends.

God saw she was getting weary

So He did what He thought best

He gently closed her eyes

And took her home to rest.

The visitation for Terry will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church,3500 Graceland Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 Noon at the church.

Terry will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208.

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