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Wlaf1450Joan Francine Fox Clark, age 88 of Knoxville, TN, formerly of LaFollette, TN, passed away on July 15th 2023 at Parkwest Medical Center. Joan was a selfless, dedicated professional who demonstrated unparalleled love and passion for her work, family, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Joan was an accomplished educator and ordained minister who played a vital role in the teaching and care for children throughout her distinguished and decorated career. She was a pioneer in developing the child protection policies that are currently still used by many churches. She was a tenured member of Delta Kappa Gamma and held a doctorate in education from the University of Tennessee. To be in her company was always to be in the presence of greatness even with her humble unassuming nature. Her education included a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Berea College and a master’s degree in home economics from the University of Arizona. In her spare time, you could find her in the garden or cooking. She also enjoyed sewing, going to plays, and crossword puzzles. She has been a member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden for thirty-eight years and a staff member there for nineteen years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Lowe Clark; great love, Sydney Fox; parents, Glinn and Bernice Lester Fox; brother, Billy John Fox; sister, Mattie Collene Carter; and brother-in-law, Jack Carter.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her adoring daughter, Kara Clark Whitley, grandchildren, Ansley Ray Whitley, and Mason Ellison Whitley; sister-in-law, Suzanne Claiborne Fox; nephews and nieces, Bryan Fox, Stephanie Bingham, Will Fox, and Amy Carter; as well as several great nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00pm on Thursday, July 20th at Central Baptist Church of Bearden with a funeral service to follow, Dr. Wade Bibb and Rev. Mark Moreland officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Central Baptist Church of Bearden Children’s Ministry (centralbearden.org/give). Online condolences for the family may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com
“There are some who bring light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains.”
Courtsey of Cross-Smith Funeral Home, Inc.
I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I worked with her many years ago at the Campbell County Board of Education in the Vocational Department when I was in high school. Dr. Clark was an awesome role model and a very kind and gracious lady. I’m sure that she will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.