Fran Clark

Hello, I’m Fran, and I’m having a Fantastic Day! I’ve been dancing on the streets of gold in the arms of my Heavenly Father since Sunday morning the 26th of May 2024 since passing peacefully in sleep from the comfort of my own bed in Moro, Illinois. I was born Frances Marie Howard on the 23rd day of February 1941 in Alton, Illinois. The only daughter to Ross Francis and Theo Neville (Burjes) Howard. They were professional roller skaters and mother would spin in circles one direction hanging from dad’s neck while he spun the opposite direction, all while pregnant mind you. So, for those who thought I was a little scrambled at times… I met the gorgeous, very shy Vernon Edward Clark in 1958. He kept coming to the house under the pretense of playing cards with my brothers until he Finally built up the courage (or got tired of the ribbing from my 5 brothers) and asked me out. We attempted to elope a year later driving to Mississippi, only to find they’d changed the age without parental consent requirement for men only the week before. Oops! That was a long drive home to furious parents who’d found my note I’d left behind. Nevertheless, we married on the 29th of August 1959 in the parsonage of Cottage Hills Assembly of God Church by the Rev. Maurice Burgund. To our 64 year union God blessed us with three beautifully unique and talented children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Kevin (Karen) Clark of Stillwater, OK, Todd Clark of Fosterburg, and Dane Ann (Russell) Clark-Beausoleil of Moro. To them God blessed our family further; to Kevin and Karen: Sarah (Terrance) Larimer and their daughter Madison; Daniel Clark; and Maria Clark (Brandon) Herrod and the son Waylon. To Todd: his son James Ridder. To Dane Ann and Russell: their children Noll (Crystal) Beausoleil, Samara (Bradley) Hudson and their two daughters Charley and Olivia, and Logan (Alexis) Beausoleil and their two daughters Violet and Callie. Jesus Saved me and became the foundation of my life when I was 12 years old at Forest Homes Baptist Church. My husband and I joined Calvary Baptist Church in Alton and spent 57 years in mission, ministries, friendship and love with the people within it’s walls and beyond. You were all my family and Oh how sweet my life has been because of your love! My Childhood would not have been the same without my dear though often meddlesome younger brothers and I’m quite certain those surviving me will miss me beyond measure (or at the very least my cooking). Paul (Pat) Howard of Shipman and Jerry Howard of Wood River, and my dear Sister-in-law Iva Howard of Alton. I’ve dearly missed those who have gone before me: Floyd “Bud” Howard, James “Jim” Howard and Edward “Ed” Howard. Celebrate my life. Do not mourn my death. For my Spirit has Soared! Party for me and Praise God my polio riddled body FINALLY ALL works and Jesus is giving me a Big Hug! You can visit with my wonderful family on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1422 Washington Ave, Alton, IL from 9:00am-11:00am with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00am. Everyone knows how much I LOVE bringing people together for a good party! In Lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church (OCC Fund) Operation Christmas Child and/or First Baptist Church Bethalto Building Fund. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Fran Clark

February 23, 1941 - May 26, 2024