Shirley Jean Parham Clark

Shirley Jean Parham Clark, 78, passed away on December 12th, 2023, at River Bend Rehab, following a decline in health and a broken heart ever since her husband Earl passed away and more recently suffered a stroke on December 11th. She was born November 15th, 1945 to the late Elmer “Pawser” and Ila Ingle Parham.

She was a 1964 graduate of Clyde A. Erwin High School. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. C.G. Walker until son Ricky was born, and then became a stay-at-home mom and housewife. She was a member of Mountain View Freewill Baptist Church in Alexander and regularly attended until her decline in health.

Shirley was preceded in death by her middle-school sweetheart of 55 years, Earl Clark, on May 5th, 2021.

She is survived by her sons and caregivers, Marty Clark of the home and Ricky Clark (Missie); grandson, Colin Clark; step-grandson, Jacob Daley; her younger sister, Debbie; and her many cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of River Bend Rehab for the excellent care given to Shirley during her stay there. Shirley’s family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, calls and visits.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at Mountain View Freewill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Anthony Fox officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with friends and cousins serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain View Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Becky Ponder, 15 Harbeck Dr., Weaverville, NC 28787.