From the 02/01/2001
Welch Daily News
Memorial Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb 3, 2001, for Eve Sikora Clark, 87, of Water Street, Pocahontas, VA, formerly of Gary, who died Wednesday, Jan 31, in a Princeton nursing home.

The Rev. Russell Hatfield will officiate at the chapel of Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell. Her final resting place will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluewell.

Born Feb. 24, 1913 in Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary Sikora. She had resided in Pocahontas the past 20 years and was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church, Pocahontas. She was a graduate of Welch High School and Marshall University. While living in Gary, she had been a dedicated math and Latin teacher for Gary High School for 30 years. She was a member of Phi Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, past officer in the Welch Branch of the AAUW, and a retired member of NEA and WVEA. She was also active in the Ladies Guild of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Welch.

She was an avid reader, bridge player and a devoted mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Oren P. Clark.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Kathryn Perdue and husband, Jay, of Bluefield, VA; two sons Oren Perry Clark and wife, Mary, of Welch, and William G. Clark of Welch; two sisters, Mary S. Grimes of Arlington, VA, and Anne Ramsey and husband, Jess, of Pocahontas, VA; a sister-in-law, Ginny Sikora of Fairborn, OH; four grandchildren, Jessica and Carmella Clark, both of Welch, and Carrie and Jason Perdue, both of Bluefield, VA.

Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home.


From the '53 Coaldigger

From the '77 Coaldigger
Thanks to John Wilson, '65, and Dorothy Todd Malone, '57 for providing yearbook photos for this feature. I would very much like to add similar photos from the 40's and 60's. If you can contribute these photos please drop me a note.--DW
Eve Clark was a caring, dedicated and passionate teacher. She taught Latin and Mathematics at Gary High School for over 30 years, but she offered lessons that went far beyond algebraic formulas and the conjugation of Latin verbs. Everything Ms Clark did in her classroom reflected and affirmed the values that our coalfield community held most dear--responsibility, self-discipline, perseverance and hard work. During her long career, her energy, enthusiasm and warm sense of humor never failed her. Let us hope that today's students of the McDowell County school system have teachers of the caliber of Eve Clark.

This great teacher will be long remembered.
 

From Former Students...
[Eve Clark] was my math teacher. She was a wonderful woman with a great sense of humor. I was one of thousands she had to endure over the years. She made a profound difference in my life, and I can only imagine how many more she touched. What a wonderful legacy she left behind...I mourn her passing.

--Sterling Parks, '75

She was a wonderful person and a teacher that really tried to get the most out of her students. I was probably the dumbest math student she ever had but she gave me extra attention in an effort to help me learn. I will always be grateful to her.

--Randy Mayhew, '69

[Eve Clark] was a wonderful teacher and a great person. I think of her every time I recognize the Latin root of some word. Most of all I remember her kindness and concern for me...I will always be grateful...

--Sue Baldwin, '69

She will always be remembered by me as not only an excellent teacher but also a very special lady...I will never forget her kindness to me.

--Sarita Ratliff Dozier, '65

She was an inspiration to us all.

--Brenda Queen Thompson, '65