Cornelia Clark

There are no greater occupations, no prouder achievements, and no higher earthly calling than simply being known as "Mother." It is mother who cares for us, nurtures us, and above all, loves us. Cornelia Clark was a proud, loving mother, to more than just her children, and a powerful influence in the lives of all who knew her.

Cornelia's story began on a hot summer day in 1935, in the Windy City of Chicago. Those were such hard times in this country, as the Great Depression caught so many in its grip. Yet on August 12, 1935, a hot, muggy Monday, Theodore and Rebecca (Taylor) Boyd found reason to celebrate, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Cornelia.

Cornelia was joined by her six siblings in the family's Chicago home, where she was raised with a tremendous work ethic and strength of conviction. She also learned to become an amazing homemaker and especially cook, talents she would share with her family the rest of her life.

Eventually Cornelia left the city to set out on her own, and start her own life, a life full of love and family and friendship. She was married, and soon blessed with two wonderful children, her son Andrew, and daughter Darlene, who meant so much to her over the years.

Cornelia became the true matriarch of her whole family, through her great love and powerful leadership, and also her cooking! She was an excellent cook, and made wonderful, traditional meals the family loved.

Cornelia had many loves in her life, yet also experienced many losses. Her husband, Charles Clark, sadly died years ago, as did each of her six siblings over the years, which was so hard for her. In recent years, while living in the town of Pollocksville, North Carolina, she shared a special relationship with Willie Clark.

Sadly, Cornelia died Thursday, February 15, 2007, in Pollocksville.

Cornelia was a wonderful woman, such a strong, loving lady, the true matriarch of her family. There are no greater titles in this world than simply being known as Mother, and to the family who loved her so deeply, Cornelia was the greatest mother of all. She will be greatly missed.

Services celebrating Cornelia's life will be held Saturday 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, Paw Paw, 888-456-3870 where family and friends can visit from 10:00 AM until service time. Following the services, food and fellowship will be shared at the funeral home. Cremation will follow with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton. Cornelia was a dedicated homemaker and the matriarch of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Clark; and by her six siblings: James, Kittie, Theodore, Robert, John, and Chauncey Boyd. Members of her family include a son, Andrew (Bernita) Berry of Chicago, IL; daughter, Darlene McHerron of South Haven; nieces: Rebecca and Carolyn Boyd and a host of other nieces; nephews; grandchildren; and close companion, Willie Clark. To sign her guest book, share a memory or make a memorial donation to the American Heart Association, please visit her webpage at www.lifestorynet.com