Here is the funeral program for my grandmother - Mary Elizabeth Shields Clark

2. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before
his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and
not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100
Mary Elizabeth Shields Clark
Late in the mid-day of February 2, 2014, God sent down his
loving angels to call Mary E. Shields Clark to her final resting
place.
Mary was born on March 6, 1926 in the city of St. Petersburg,
Florida, to the late Arthur Shields and Lucille Miller Shields.
Anyone who knew Miss Mary as she was called in the
community knew of her smile and her never-ending supply of peppermints and gum. Miss
Mary was the epitome of a southern lady, always impeccably dressed and always with a
kind word or encouragement.
Mary lived in the city of Hendersonville for over 50 years, most of it on the corner of
4th Ave East, until 2007 when she moved to Charlotte NC to be with her granddaughter
and later her daughter. Many mornings and afternoons you could find her on the porch
greeting everyone that passed by. Black or white, young or old, rich or poor, everyone was
treated to that signature Clark hospitality. Miss Mary never encountered a stranger.
Mary was married to the late Olin Clark for 45 years. Fiercely independent, she could be
seen driving around town in her little blue car, shopping and hitting the flea markets. Mary
worked as a loyal housekeeper for the Hunter and Crowell families for decades. She was a
member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC.
Miss Mary had a phenomenal wit and zest for life. Even in her last days she could be caught
smiling and stealing a piece of Carrot Cake.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Arthur Shields and Lucille Miller Shields,
and her loving husband Olin Clark.
She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter Tanja (Ann) Williams (Savannah, Jr.),
of Charlotte, NC, two grand children Elder James R. Byrd, Jr. (Yvette) and J’Mes Dixon
(Desiree) both of Charlotte, NC, six Great-grandsons Nyghel , Jhymel, Myel, Patrick, Taviel
Byrd and Taj’Omari Eaton, and one Great-grand daughter Lailani Smith, all of Charlotte, NC,
her special friend Trish Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and adopted family.

3. order of service
Prelude
Processional
Mye’l Byrd and Tavie’l Byrd
(great-grandsons)
Final Viewing
Selection
Scripture
Old Testament
New Testament
great -grandson
great-grandson
Prayer of Comfort
Elder Savannah Williams Jr.
(son in law)
Solo
Grand Daughter, J’Mes Dixon
Remarks (2 mins.)
Duet
Nyghe’l Byrd and Mye’l Byrd
(great-grandsons)
Acknowledgements/Reading of the Obituary
Selection
Words of Comfort
The DWB Family
Rev. B.T. Waters
Union Grove Baptist Church
Recessional
Committal and Benediction
Oakdale Cemetery

4. Acknowledgements
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8
The Family of Mary Clark wishes to acknowledge with deepest appreciation the many
expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown them during their hour of bereavement.
May God Bless and Keep You.
Special Acknowledments to: Presbyterian/Novant Hospital, Tabernacle Baptist Church, the
eXperience Church Charlotte, Life Baptist Church, McCrorey YMCA, and the Union Grove
Baptist Church Families.
interment
Oakdale Cemetary - 6th Ave - Hendersonville, NC
repast
Union Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall