Published Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mary Stallings Askew Clark

Mary Stallings Askew Clark, 80, of Greenville, GA died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 13, at Greenville United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Funderburke officiating. After burial at the Greenville Cemetery, the ladies of the church hosted a visitation reception in the church fellowship hall. Serving as pallbearers were Mary's nephews, Emmett Askew, David Askew, Bo Askew, all of Hogansville, GA, Charley Spencer and Louis Spencer of Signal Mountain, TN, Larry Wheeler of Marietta and her cousins, Johnny Edwards, Geno Smith and Evan Smith all of Newnan. Her grandson, Billy Taylor, of New York, NY sang "The Lord's Prayer" at the church and "It Is Well With My Soul" at the graveside. Mary was born January 21, 1929 in Troup Co. She was a long time resident of Greenville. Because she suffered from Alzheimer's disease, she has resided for the last 2 1/2 years in the home of her youngest daughter Melinda, her son-in-law, Clark Dickinson and their children, Ansley, Alli and Conner. Mary grew up in Hogansville and was the only daughter of Benjamin Oliver Askew and Mary Gibson Stallings Askew. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother, James (Jim) Emmett Askew and younger brother, Benjamin (Ben) Oliver Askew, Jr. She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Askew and Mary Ann Askew McClendon, both of Hogansville. Mary graduated from Hogansville High School and attended the University of Georgia where she was a pledge of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. In 1949, she married William Henry (Bill) Clark of Greenville. They began married life in Greenville. Mary was the mother of five children and a homemaker for many years. She worked part time as an assistant with Dr. Jack Whitworth at the Greenville Clinic. Later, she was employed by the Meriwether County School System in both the Greenville and Woodbury schools. In 1971, she began her career with the Department of Family and Children Services in Greenville. She retired after 20 years of service. Her husband, William Henry (Bill) Clark, preceded Mary in death. Her eldest son, William Henry (Billy) Clark, Jr., was tragically killed at the age of 16 in a baseball accident. Mary is survived by her three daughters, Laura (Lee) Taylor of Manchester, Louise (Randy) Coggin of Newnan and Melinda (Clark) Dickinson of Snellville; one son, Robert Askew Clark of Greenville; eight grandchildren, William Clark (Billy) Taylor of New York, NY, Michael Lee (Joni) Taylor and Manchester, Anna Taylor (Pascal) Chapman of Sharpsburg, Airman Clark William Morrison of Jacksonville, FL, Melinda Marie Morrison of Newnan, Ansley Askew Dickinson, Allison Rae Dickinson and Conner Clark Dickinson of Snellville; three great grandchildren, Dawson Lee Taylor II and Michael Benjamin Taylor of Manchester and Robert William Chapman of Sharpsburg. Mary enjoyed being with her family and friends whether it was sharing a cup of coffee, playing bridge or tennis or gathering together with close friends for a Sunday night supper. Mary had gift of hospitality and the Clark home was always opened to everyone. Lots of laughter and memories of good times together remain in the hearts of those who visited. Mary was a devoted wife and she always put her family first. She loved having her children and grandchildren around her and she will always be remembered for her gentle, quiet and giving spirit. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her church, Greenville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186, Greenville, GA 30222. Cox Funeral Home, Manchester, GA was in charge of arrangements.