CLARK, EDITH LILLIAN (AGE 72) OF CLINTON, MARYLAND

On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, Edith Lillian Clark queitly departed this life for one eternal at the Prince Georges Hospital Center, Cheverly, Maryland.

Edith Lillian Clark was the third child of Agnes Whiting and Payton Whiting Sr. from the Carolinas. Edith was born on July 8, 1939 in Washington, DC. She grew up in the Parkside area of Washington, DC and graduated from Cardoza High School.

She married John Clark on June 20, 1957, whom she knew most of her teenage life as high school sweethearts. This union provided two children.

Her dedication to service, family, and community were the things that brought her the most joy. She committed 30 years of her life as a federal government employee to a number of agencies. She served as the Administrative Aide to the now President of the University of Miami, who was the former longest serving Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Honorable Donna E. Shalala.

Edith was at the zenith of her life and the matriarch of her huge family tree that extended itself beyond just family members. She enjoyed helping other people. Five words that best describe her are: caring, loving, helpful, generous, and nurturing. One of Edith's famous words of wisdom were "your friends determine your future." She had a way of just tugging at your heart strings and finding the good in everyone despite one's shortcomings. The accomplishments that made her the proudest were the success of her grandchildren. Whenever there was a family project, Edith took charge. Planning family reunions was her pet peeve. Even in her sickness, she still managed to work on a current planned family reunion. She loved her family. This mantra was portrayed through her devotion and love for her husband, John Clark throughout their 54 years of marriage. She was a fantastic dresser and professional seamstress. Her beautiful hats justified these points. She was a dedicated grandmother and an "old school" mother who wouldn't hesitate to let you know it no matter how old you were that you are both important and relevant. Her affinity for the love of gospel music reminded folks of Mahaila Jackson. The advice that she left for future generations is to "stay focused, and believe in yourself."

Edith is preceded in death by her sister, Betty Rollins, and brother, Payton Whiting Jr. She leaves to treasure lasting memories to her husband, best friend, and lifelong companion, John Clark her daughters, Shelita, and Crystal; sons-in-law, Frederick, Peter, Jude, and James; her grandchild, Adam, Brandon, John, Kasimu, Pierce, Tamika, and Kalandria; her great grandchildren, Miuri, Chloe, and Kiaya; granddaughter-in-law, Jaquay; nieces, Sharon, Rochelle, Tawana, Kituria, Debbie, Phyllis, Sonya, Courtney, Amanda, GiGi, and Arvella; sister, Linda Kennedy, brother-in-law, Donald Kennedy; nephews, Melvin Jr., Melvin (Mickey), Greg, John, Matthew, Robbie, and Dwight; and a host of cousins amongst several who stand out, Roosevelt, and Curtis; as well as several best friends that must be noted, Michelle, Joan, Melva, and Linda. There are many other relatives, friends and individuals who are not listed for the sake of brevity but indeed card for Edith; and whose lives were touched by her that will never be forgotten.

Her viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 30th, 10:00am until time of Services 11:00am, at the First Rock Baptist Church, 4630 Alabama Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. The interment will take place in Harmony Memorial Park, Hyattsville, MD. The arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.