Opal Mae (Brown) Clark was born in Perry, Oklahoma November 30, 1932 to the union of Shaffer and Mayola Brown Sr. Opal was the second of thirteen children: Theapolis, Ollie Mae, Erma Lee, M.L., Evelyn Ruth, Shaffer Jr., Sarah Lee, Matt Leroy, Barbara Anne, Joseph Clarence, Pearl Marie, and Mattie Marie.

When the Brown family moved to Madera, CA, Opal attended Pershing School. Opal later met and married Andrew Vernon Clark Sr., to this union, seven children were born. One child died during infancy. As a young adult, Opal took on the responsibility of her husband’s three younger siblings, as well as raising her own growing family. Immediate family as well as In-laws, neighbors and their children have sought refuge and guidance from Opal, with the understanding that as long as you understand the household rules, you would not have a problem!

During adult life, Opal was a member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church where she has serves as an Usher. Opal was employed as a Housekeeper with Madera Valley Inn, upon its opening in Madera. Opal also was employed with the Madera Unified School District as a Food Service Worker until her retirement.

Opal enjoyed a fun time when she was able to visit the Casinos, enjoying the slots, bright lights, and most of all her Sister-in-law, Aunt Bessie, who wins ALL the time: with a joyful spirit, and encouraging smile while saying “you just gotta want to have fun!”

Opal was preceded in death by her parents Shaffer Sr. and Mayola Brown, her husband Andrew Vernon Clark Sr., her two sons Andrew Vernon Clark Jr. and Kevin Clark, her Daughter Carol McClure, her three brothers Theapolis, Shaffer Brown Jr. and Joseph Clarence, and her four sisters Ollie Mae, Erma Lee, Evelyn Ruth and Pearl Marie.

Opal leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter Fannie Graham of Sacramento, her two sons Bryan Clark and his wife Dina of Bedford, TX, and Dennis Clark and his wife Cynthia of Madera, CA, her seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, her two brothers Rev. M.L. Brown and his wife Josephine of Muldrow, OK, and Matt Brown and his wife Bobbie Helen of Ventura, CA, her three sisters Sarah Lee of Los Angeles, CA, Barbara Anne and her husband Ted of Madera, CA, and Mattie Marie of Madera, CA, as well as a host of family, loved ones and friends.

Visitation for Opal will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA. Interment immediately following at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA.

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