In Memory of Clark Kenneth Jones

In today's blog, I would like to talk about the very first character that I created when I was nine years old--Clark Kenneth Jones. I hope that you enjoy his story.

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLARK KENNETH JONES

Clark Kenneth Jones was born August 13, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee to Harold and Patricia Jones. He was the fourth of six children, and even at such a young age, he dreamt of becoming a teacher, as he himself was a big kid at heart, and younger children seemed to gravitate toward him.

Clark was an active member in church, dating all the way to when he was four years old. He was quoted as saying: "And when I say active, I mean cotton-pickin' active!" Clark was a member of the choir, on both the junior and senior Usher Board, and was even chosen to be put on trial as a deacon—the latter of which did not work out so well. "Oh, well—two out of three ain't bad," Clark joked.

After high school, Clark attended Fisk University, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He worked as a substitute Fourth Grade teacher in his hometown of Memphis, until he moved to Los Angeles, California three years later and met Vivian Jewel Coleman. The two wed in 1962 and raised five children.

Clark ultimately found a job as a Kindergarten teacher at Wiley L. Sapp Elementary School in 1977. He admitted that he was apprehensive on his first day at work, but after a great approval rating from his "little kiddies," Clark knew that he had indeed fulfilled his true calling. Often known as one of the pillars of Sapp Elementary, Clark founded the school's motto: "Shaping the kids of today for tomorrow." Clark continued to teach at Sapp Elementary until his retirement in June, 1993; he was succeeded by next door neighbor and best friend Bret Douglas.

Clark was such a joy to be around, be it at school, or at home. He loved and lived life, up to the fullest and beyond. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and he was a huge wrestling fan. Clark also loved to host Christmas parties, costume parties, and Fourth of July celebrations. It should be well documented that Clark just loved people—period. If he liked you, he would give you a nickname... and sometimes he would mispronounce names on purpose.

On August 31, 1996, Heaven dispatched its angels to take Clark on up a little higher, and at the age of 62, Clark accepted. His parents, one brother, and one sister preceded him.

Clark leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of 34 years, Vivian; three sons, Anthony Thomas, Ronald Louis, and Steven Joseph; two daughters, Cheryl Yvette and Danielle Renee; two brothers, Louis Ulysses and Franklin Virgil; two sisters Donna Nicole and Tanya Michelle; two son-in-laws, William LaBon and Philip Turner; three daughter-in-laws, Stephanie Brianne, Brenda Louise, and Monica Chantel; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

And of course, Mr. Jones is mentioned in Simply Bret.