Sarah SMITH CLARK was born October 14, 1820, in Pennsylvania. She died December 5, 1912, aged 92 y1m24d.

When quite small she removed with her parents to Wheeling, West Virginia, thence to Zanesville, Ohio, then to Madison County, IL.

On September 7, 1841, she was married to Charles M. CLARK.

To this union were born 11 children, 4 of whom, together with the husband, preceded her to the home beyond.

At the age of 17 years she professed faith in Christ as her Savior and united with the Missionary Baptist Church near Collinsville, IL.

After her marriage, she with her husband, removed to a farm near Ashley, IL, where she became a charter member of the Missionary Baptist Church at that place, and remained a faithful member till death. She was the last charter member of that church to die. She was a devoted wife, a kind and loving mother, a faithful Christian, a good neighbor and a mother to the motherless.

From the earliest recollections of any of her children she was in every way a true Christian and set an example of righteous living that will bear fruit for many years. Truly "her works do follow her." When asked if all was well with her, she replied: "Yes, all is well; the Lord's will is my pleasure."

She leaves to mourn her departure 4 sons: J. B. CLARK of Ashley, S. T. CLARK of Centralia, Marion M. CLARK of Mt. Vernon and Chas. H. CLARK of Woodlawn. Three daughters, Mrs. Joseph MILLER and Mrs. C. D. STEPHENS of Ashley and Mrs. W. A. FOSTER of Pullman, IL, 33 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters, Mrs. Martha THORNTON and Mrs. Matilda MONTGOMERY, both of East St. Louis, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were held at Liberty Church and were conducted by Rev. BLYTHE of Tamaroa, assisted by Rev. KINNISON of Beaucoup. Interment was made at Liberty Cemetery.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: December 11, 1912
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta