Addie Howard Clark

Published 8:05 pm Thursday, January 22, 2015

ADDIE HOWARD CLARK

July 5, 1926 – Jan. 17, 2015

Addie Howard Clark, age 88, a resident of E. Old County Rd., Belhaven, NC, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 at her home. She was born in Hyde County on July 5, 1926 daughter of the late Rev. Mahue Howard and Mary Credle Howard. Addie was married to George Clark who preceded her in death. Addie retired with forty years of experience, building her educational foundation in the Beaufort and Hyde County Schools. She completed her undergraduate studies at Elizabeth City State University and enriched her career with advanced studies at NY University, NC State University, and Hampton Institute. Her teaching career began at the Hyde County Training School and her profession was extremely enriched by teaching experiences in several different schools. Addie was a member and Mother of St. Paul Church of Christ.

After the late O. A. Peay, principal, arranged, encouraged and highly recommended, she accepted a position at Carver High School, Douglas, GA. As the only child (at that time) of the late Rev. and Mrs. Mahue Howard, she returned to her position at O.A Peay High School, Swan Quarter and later to positions at the former S.W. Snowden High School, Aurora, and the former John A. Wilkinson High School. With desegregation, she was transferred to the Belhaven Elementary School and remained until the merger of the high schools on “this side of the river”, when she was transferred to Belhaven Jr. High School.

Her exemplary life, tireless labors, the lessons taught, and inspiration imbibed have touched the lives of many children, leaving a lasting impression, and they in return have touched her with a beauty that will be enshrined in her heart. She was an outspoken advocate of personal belief and rights with love being her weapon which has spilled over into her school and community life.

Addie invested her life to God’s glory, portraying a deep,  sincere love for the church. She was a dedicated member of the Washington and Norfolk District Assembly, serving diligently in a variety of auxiliaries and organizations. Some of her many affiliations included WNDA Choir, planning board, program, registration scholarship, etc., South Albemarle Union Meeting, and Women Home Mission.

She had a special charisma, a loving heart, and helping hands. One of her greatest attributes was giving of herself; she enjoyed being a ray of sunshine in the lives of others.

Throughout her professional and educational career, she was an active member of NCTA (Secretary), NEA (Delegate), NCAE, Girl Scouts and 4H leader. She held active membership in CWU Local, State, and National; YPO and NAACP.

Addie is survived by her children, Marvin (Connie) and Melvin (Elola) Clark of Belhaven, Hazel Swindell of NYC, and Ellen Howard of Belhaven; her brother-in-law, James Clark of Belhaven; her brothers, Earl, Leroy, Kenny, Larry, Vernon, Willy and James Windley; her sisters, Sandra and Glenda Windley; her Godson, Jerry Spencer; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings Kenneth Howard and Lois Edwards.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 24, 2015 at John A. Wilkinson Center, officiated by Bishop Johnson Hazel. Burial will follow in Old County Road Cemetery with her former students serving as pall bearers. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday, January 23, 2015 at Hillside Funeral Service, 4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, NC and other times at the home.

The family extends special thanks to her niece, Clara Slade and Gretchen Davis and Christine Davis for providing loving care to Ms. Addie.

Flowers are welcome or memorials be made in Addie’s memory to St. Paul Church of Christ, 247 E. Old County Rd., Belhaven, NC 27810.

You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E, Washington, NC has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Clark family.