Ouachita County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....CLARK, JUANITA MCDOWELL October 11, 2014 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Gina Brown rootsgirl36@gmail.com October 17, 2014, 6:34 am News Star World - October 13, 2014 JUANITA MCDOWELL CLARK Born on May 30, 1925, Juanita McDowell Clark, made it home on October 11, 2014. Heaven opened wide its gates to welcome our Momma, our Mamaw, our Juanita, and even "Betty" to some; a nickname that endured to the end. She was one of the sweetest, meekest and loving souls that ever lived and is now experiencing the promise she believed in with all her heart. Those that were close to her appreciated her piety and humble spirit, and never to be forgotten, her dry wit that could bowl you over with laughter. She was special, indeed, and will be sorely missed. She was the last to pass of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tom P. and Nancy Anderson McDowell of Tocowa, Mississippi and is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence "Tebe" Clark of Calhoun, Louisiana. Their meeting was one of story books and romance, how a chance meeting after WWII in Memphis, Tennessee turned into "An Officer and a Gentlemen" rescue from the mill she was working in. He was her knight in shining armor and although neither was of royal stock, they had each other and that was enough at the time. She also worked for Fisher Aircraft as a riveter on Bombay doors during the war and was a "Betty the Riveter" in reality. After coming to Louisiana, she became a nurse and retired from St. Francis Medical Center in the early 90's when Clarence died. She then returned to North Mississippi where she sat with her bedridden sister until her death. Later she sat with the elderly in that area for a number of years. Juanita loved all her brothers and sisters dearly, but two that were closest to her in her later years too special not to mention are Brooks McDowell and Mildred Cosby of Tocowa, Mississippi. They, too, have gone on to be with the Lord. She leaves behind numerous loved ones and friends to grieve but also to cherish her sweet memory; a daughter, Phyllis Clark Haney and husband Myers; a son, Steve Clark and wife Jennifer; grandson, Neil Whatley and wife Denise; two granddaughters, Paige Whatley Beard and Amanda Clark Mayo and Husband Brian; ten great and four great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews in Mississippi and Louisiana. Thank you Moma for living the life and being the example of true Christianity. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to get us to church where we could be exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We that are saved owe you a debt of gratitude words cannot express. Because of your prayers and faithfulness, we found the Light of the World and can be united with you and daddy if we follow the path you took. Your suffering is over, you have fought a good fight, you have kept the faith, a crown of righteousness awaits you in Heaven. It's our turn now to take up the torch and light the way for those behind us. Services will be at 2PM on October 14, 2014 at Griffin Funeral Home, 7427 Cypress Street in West Monroe. Officiating will be Bro. Clint Thornton, Pastor of the West Monroe Christian Fellowship Church (a former student of Ms. Juanita's Sunday School ministry in her early years as a Christian). Visitation will also be at Griffin Funeral Home on October 13, 2014 from 5 to 8 PM. Pallbearers will be Tommy Shankle, Billy Shankle, Hunter Whatley, Neil Whatley, and Wesley Beard. Interment will be in the Gazebo at Hasley's Cemetery in West Monroe. Online Condolences: www.griffinfuneralhome.net Griffin Funeral Home West Monroe, Louisiana File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/ouachita/obits/c/clark3257nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/lafiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb