Carlene Joyce Clark

Carlene Joyce Clark spent her last hours in loving communion with her family before peacefully transitioning into eternal life on April 28, 2021. She had fought illness for over 20 years. Carlene was born in Hanford, CA on March 6, 1946 to Manuel and Virginia Souza. She came to know the Lord at an early age and could recite the 23rd Psalm when she was two years old. As a teenager, she was active in Christian Ambassadors and sang in church choirs. As an adult, she taught Sunday School and served as a Missionettes sponsor. Her life is a beautiful witness of the joy that comes in putting Jesus first.

Carlene’s life aspiration was to be a loving wife and mother, and she began to develop her homemaking skills in grade school. As a young woman, she made several of her outfits and won the Crisco Outstanding Student in Home Economics trophy in high school. She was an outstanding cook and continued to serve beautiful meals through her last days.

Carlene moved to Madera with her parents and brother in 1964. She worked as a court clerk at the Madera Justice Court where she met the love of her life, John Clark. They married on June 2, 1973 after a courtship lasting just over three months. John and Carlene loved to share their story because it was an illustration of God’s provision for those who choose to serve Him. When they started dating, Carlene had already committed to a long-term missionary commitment at an orphanage in Portugal. The couple chose not to inform the missions’ council of their engagement because Carlene did not want to put her own desires ahead of fulfilling her promise to serve. John was fully prepared to wait for her. However, the orphanage did not grow, as expected and Carlene, was no longer needed. The two lovebirds started their life together and had two beautiful daughters.

During her final years, Carlene enjoyed looking at her gorgeous flowers and watching the various birds that regularly visited her backyard. Her favorite TV channel was QVC, where she was a faithful customer. She also enjoyed participating in the ladies Bible study at First Christian Church where she was a member.

She is preceded in death by her father, Manuel Souza; her mother, Virginia Souza; and her brother, Ronnie Souza.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Clark; her brother, Michael Souza; her daughters, Melissa Clark and Heather Boehm (Steve); and her grandchildren, Elsa Clark, Caden Boehm, and Hannah Boehm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607

There will be a private celebration of life service.