Frances Ferguson Clark, age 94, of Keysville, Virginia entered heavenly glory on February 19, 2023. Born September 16, 1928 to Walker Douglas and Cecil Shotwell Ferguson, Frances was raised in Halifax County, Virginia and was destined to be a teacher. A proud graduate of Radford College, she taught many subjects and grade levels with her days teaching Home Economics at Randolph Henry High School being her most enjoyable. After earning her master’s degree from Longwood College as a reading specialist, she later retired and continued to tutor young and adult students as well as teaching Sunday school. Frances was a founding member of the Farmville chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority. She enjoyed keeping in touch and crossing paths with her former students and their parents throughout her life.
Married for 68 years to her high school sweetheart, Garland Clark, she was a wonderful mother to three loving children, Dale Clark and his wife, Karen, of Chester, VA, Ed Clark and his wife, Teresa, of Peachtree City, GA, and Faith Clark Greenwood and her husband, Thompson, of Midlothian, VA. Joy and pride were always evident for her six grandchildren – Morgan Clark Combs (Alan), Grayson Greenwood (Lauren), Casey Clark (Alice Ann), Nicki Clark, Logan Greenwood Guerrero (Elisa), and Collin Clark (Alex) and ten great-grandchildren – Mary Alex, Laurel and Walker Combs, Garland and Codori Clark, Melina Greenwood and Evan, Ethan, Ellyn and Enna Guerrero. The oldest of six siblings, she is survived by sisters Elizabeth Guthrie and Carolyn Francis of Halifax County and brother Barry Ferguson of Lynchburg. She was predeceased by her husband in 2019 and earlier by two brothers, Pete and Lowell Ferguson.
There are givers and takers in this world. Frances was a generous and cheerful giver her whole life whether to her family, friends or those she never met. Many bountiful meals and delightful conversations were shared around her table or delivered to those in need, teaching her children to show people you care by feeding them and their souls. Fond of the Samaritan’s Purse Childrens’ Ministry, she enjoyed shopping and packing boxes for many years, including this past Christmas. She was a supporter of local Red Cross Blood Drives, donating 18 gallons of blood to help others.
A funeral service will be held at Ash Camp Baptist Church in Keysville where she and Garland were active and supportive members, on Friday, February 24th at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will be between 10-11:00 am with a reception to be held following the service, both in the lower level fellowship hall. Memorial donations may be made to Ash Camp Baptist Church, Patrick Henry Family Services or the charity of your choice. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.
Condolence Messages
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Sally Crooks
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Sally and David Crooks.
Marvin & Gray Ragland
Dale, Ed and Faith, our prayers and thoughts are with you in the passing of your wonderful mother. I have so many memories of growing up together in Abilene and Beulah Church. Frances was so proud of her family and all those precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cherish all the wonderful memories and know she is now rejoicing with your Dad.
Marvin & Gray
Susan Powell
Dearest Faith,
My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve your dear mother’s passing. It sounds like she lived such a wonderful, rich life surrounded by family, friends, and a wonderful teaching career. I know she touched many lives. Wish I could put my arms around you and give you a loving hug. You are loved. With deepest sympathy. Susan Powell
MARK ANTHONY FEARS
PRAYERS
Stephanie Adams
I will always have fond memories of Mrs Clark as my 6th grade English teacher. She will be missed by many.
Carolyn Tanner
Faith, I am so very sorry to see that your mother has passed away. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Tom. Carol Tanner
Robert and Charlene Whitehead
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.
David Francis
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! May Gods grace be with you!
Patty and Larry Fannon
We were sadden to hear of Frances’s passing. She was a gentle, sweet person who will be greatly missed. I am thankful for the time I knew her as a friend, teacher and member of ADK.
All of her loved ones remain in our thoughts and prayers. “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Tom Pettus
To the children,
I’m sorry for your loss, and for the town’s loss.
Janice Crews Noblin
Faith and family I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs Clarke she was a special lady always willing to show her love to everyone very sweet woman she will be missed by many RIP Mrs Clarke may God bless you all during this difficult time
Rhonda Stockton Rowland
Ed, you and your extended family are in my thoughts and prayers in regard to the passing of your loved one! Enjoyed visiting with Mrs. Clark in her home and many phone chats! She was so proud of all of you! May God continue to comfort you with many cherished memories!
Heather Noe
Ms. Frances and Garland were our neighbors. Such sweet people! We would have tea & share stories. Thank you for sharing your family with mine.
Mike Dean
To the Clark family……sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I had the pleasure of growing up with the Clark family, being taught by Francis, and working with Garland.
The remaining family members are a testament to the parents that cherished them.
Janet Dresch
Very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Faith. I know the two of you had a close relationship and bond. Although I never met her, after reading the descriptive qualities of her nature, I see where you received your attributes of thoughtfulness and kindness. Thank you for sharing her story. Janet and Bob Dresch
Ray Gryder II
I had the opportunity to meet this dedicated educator back around 2013. I talked with her about my father, Ray ‘Sonny’ Gryder who’d recently passed away. She taught him sometime before he dropped out of school in the 8th grade, around 1953. I visited her at her home with her neighbor Lillian D. Duffie. She was so gracious and we laughed about my dad being a fastidious dresser. I realized in speaking with her that it was likely she would remember nearly every student she’d taught. Condolences to the family.