1932-2026
Marilyn “Joan” Clark, 93, of West Liberty, made her heavenly journey to meet Jesus, Sunday, February 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her daughters and grand pets.
Born December 7, 1932, at her family's farmhouse near Lafayette, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late George William and Vivian Irene (Kollars) Smith.
After graduating from Lafayette High School in 1950, she worked in accounting at Minnich Chevrolet in Lima, Ohio, where she met her soul mate. On January 12, 1952, she married Louis Harry Clark in Ft Wayne, Indiana.
She is survived by two daughters, Vianne L. Clark and Jorene K. Clark. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Louis H. Clark; a daughter, Melody Ann Clark; a son, George “Brian” Clark; and brothers, George Junior Smith, Charles Eli Smith, and Gary Eugene Smith.
She was a soul on fire for Jesus. She never met a stranger and had a special way to connect with people of all ages. Her smile was contagious, affecting the way people were drawn to her. To many, she was known as Jo, Nanna, Grandma, Dick, Aunt Jo, and simply Momma.
A member of Gretna Brethren Church for 64 years, Joan loved caring for others, family reunions, traveling, RV’ing, reading her Bible, and witnessing about the love of Jesus.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, and from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Gretna Brethren Church, 1564 Township Road 46 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where Pastor Rob Starnes will officiate a funeral service on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Glen Cemetery in Port Jefferson, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made, in Joan’s memory, to Universal Home Health & Hospice Care, 921 Rush Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311, or to Gretna Brethren Church, 1564 Township Road 46, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, DEGRAFF, is honored to care for Joan’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or kind message with the family at www.sanfordfuneralhome.com.
