Mrs. Eartha Clark

Mrs. Eartha Mae "Billie" Clark, known for her kind nature, her pleasant laugh and her gentle spirit, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday evening, January 9, 2015 at the age of 82.

She was the only child born to Joe and Ida Mae (Roberson) Kyles on March 19, 1932 in Atlanta, GA at Grady Memorial Hospital. Her father nicknamed her "Billie" because he had hoped for a boy when she was born. Her youth was spent in Geneva, AL before she moved with her mother to Cleveland, OH for a short while when her father relocated to Vassar, MI to establish a home and secure a job at the Eaton Foundry in the early 1940's. Eventually moving to Vassar, Mrs. Clark attended Vassar High School. It was during a walk home from the movies with a girlfriend when Billie met LeeRoy Clark who offered to give them a ride home. LeeRoy was from a large family who owned a dairy farm in Millington. After completing his chores on the weekend, he would drive to Vassar to court beautiful Billie. In addition to developing a loving relationship with Billie, LeeRoy also developed some lasting friendship several other families in Vassar, including the Harpers, Swintons, Bables, Smiths and several others.

Billie and LeeRoy were married on January 26, 1951 at Fort Benning, GA where they spent time on the base as he fulfilled his second tour of duty in the Army: after which time they moved to Millington and start their family which ended up being four children. Mrs. Clark was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, fishing on the river banks in Vassar and making crafts. She was happily married for 51 years before LeeRoy's death in 2002. She loved her children, family, and community.

Mrs. Clark leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Linda F. (Clyde) Childress and Charlotte A. Clark of Millington and Dr. Mary K. Clark of Belleville; two grandsons, Lamont (Petrina) Richardson of Flint and Marvin Richardson of Millington; granddaughter Nicole Roberson of Flint; grandson Michael & Monica Grazirna and Clyde Childress Jr.,two great-grandsons DeQuan McClendon and Blake Richardson and one great-granddaughter, TaJiha DePillars, all of Flint; Sister-in-law Esther (Clark) Ross of Flint; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Mrs. Clark was preceded in death by her loving husband, LeeRoy, her son William Lee Clark; father and mother, Joe Kyles and Ida Mae (Roberson) Kyles.

The family would like to thank all of the loving caregivers who made the last year's of Eartha's life comfortable with the dignity that she deserved. The supervisory team, Brenda and Trish with Affordable Quality Care and Candy, Brandy and Jeannie with Hometown Home Health and Hospice and Joe with T.L.C. have been extremely accommodating to the needs of Eartha and the family. Gratitude beyond measure is extended to the following caregivers who comprised the 24 hour "Dream Team" for the past Claudell, Jessica, Barb, Christy, Gwen, Aliyah, Eva, Randi, Kaitlyn, Serena, Maxine, Mary O., Anne, Becki (posthumously) and so many others. In the final weeks of Eartha's life, the Hometown Hospice team, Elaine, Jan, Mark, Robin and Kathy made her comfortable and allowed her a graceful, pain free transition.

You're welcome to express personal condolences, share a memory, or light a candle by opening the Memory Wall tab. For visitation and service information, open the Service Info tab.

Memorial gifts of remembrance can be directed to the Millington - Arbela Historical Society.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME
Serving families
for 87 years

Funeral services for Billie were held on Tuesday January 13, 2015 at the Hanlin Funeral Home. Brother Norman Childress delivered the funeral message and eulogy. The family has honored Billies request and cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to the Millington Arbela Historical Society in Billie's honor.

You're welcome to express personal condolences, share a memory, or light a candle by opening the Memory Wall tab. For a complete obituary open the Obituary Tab.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME
Serving families
for 87 years