Edna Virginia Clark (Age 92) of Bryans Road, Maryland

Edna Virginia Chesley Clark was born on December 21, 1928, in Aquasco, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late John Henry and Mary Edna Chesley. She was the eighth of ten children, all who have preceded her in death.

Edna was educated in the Prince George's County public school system and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  After graduation, she attended Maryland State Teachers College, which is now Bowie State University. Edna graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. She continued to hone her craft and took enough courses to earn a Master's Equivalency.

In college, Edna met and became the roommate of Phelicia Clark.  One weekend, Edna went home with Phelicia and met her brother James.  Little did she know this visit would be life changing.  James and Edna fell in love and were married on December 19, 1953.  Through this union they were blessed with one daughter, Pamela, she was their pride and joy.  Their union lasted for 56 years until James went home to be with the Lord on November 1, 2010.

As a child, Edna's religious upbringing began at John Wesley Methodist Church in Aquasco.  She was passionate about serving the Lord.  When James and Edna moved to Indian Head, Maryland, she became a member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Edna was a dedicated member serving in many capacities, including the Women's Society of Christian Service, United Methodist Women, and one of her favorites, the Sick & Shut-in Visitation Committee.  She was also co-director of the Vacation Bible School, director of the Children's Ministries, secretary of the Finance Committee, and the organizer of the Tutoring Program.

Edna faithfully attended Wednesday Bible Study, where she enjoyed studying and reading God's word. Even though she wasn't able to continue going to church due to her illness, she enjoyed listening to the scriptures and singing/listening to hymns with her family and friends, especially her sister-in-love, Elvira Langford.  In addition to serving at her church, Edna actively served her community. Her faithful dedication and service to the youth and the community was exceptional. She was a member of the African American Heritage Society, NAACP, and the Rural Elderly Ministry Project at St. Phillip's in Baden.

Edna was an educator for 31 years. She taught in Calvert, Prince George's, and Charles Counties. Her final assignment was at JC Parks Elementary School.  She received great satisfaction watching her students grow and learn. She loved her children and they loved her back. Many of them have stated that she was their favorite teacher and made a lasting impact on their lives. She even referred to her first graders as "little angels." Although she loved teaching, her favorite job was taking care of her granddaughter, Janée.  She was Janée's caretaker from birth throughout her school years, and was always a prominent figure in her life.

Edna truly enjoyed spending time with her friends. Edna played on a basketball team when she began her teaching career.  She and James belonged to the V2 Club, a couple's social club that did many activities together, including traveling, dancing, and going to each other's homes to fellowship.  Edna collected mugs from all over the world and proudly displayed them in her home. She also enjoyed shopping, not only for herself, but for everyone else.  If she felt it was a good deal, she would purchase it knowing someone would be able to use it.  Edna was deeply devoted to her family.  We could always depend on her for encouragement, love and support.  When a new baby was born, she would go and spend time with the new mother and father to help out.  When someone was ill, she would go take care of them making sure they had everything they needed.

Edna is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Jackson (Richard); loving granddaughter, Janée Johnson; brother-in-law, Elson Johnson; sisters-in-law, Elvira Langford and Willa Mae Parker (Everett); special niece, Alberta Butler; caring friend, Jean Thomas; and many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes because, for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation."

Her Viewing will be 9:00 am, until time of Service, 11:00 am, Friday, May 21, 2021 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

In lieu of flowers the family would like for donations to be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, Maryland 21093.

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On Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. please click on the link below to live stream the service.

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The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream