We Still Ain't Forgotten You, Clark!

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

In today’s blog, we recognize the very first character that I ever created—Clark Kenneth Jones.

As most of you may know from having read Simply Bret, Clark was Ms. Vivian’s husband of 34 years, until he passed away on August 31, 1996. In honor of Clark, I decided to let my other characters talk about how much Clark meant to them.

BRET DOUGLAS: “Clark was one of those guys who meant what he said and said what he meant, and he did his best to give more than one hundred percent. He used to say to me: ‘I’m not a half-assed kinda guy—I use my full ass!’ I’ll never forget how he welcomed me and Susie to the neighborhood back in 1984, and believe it or not, I actually miss him calling me Bert. However, I shall always hold dear how he put in a good word for me to be successor at Sapp Elementary, passing the torch to me in the process.”

SUSIE DOUGLAS: “One of the things that I miss about Clark, was our conversations over the back fence. It never failed—I could be coming home from work, and Clark could be taking the trash out, but we just leaned against the backyard fence and held an hour-long conversation. Bret and Vivian would be on the phone, talking about us. Clark was also the one who gave Sarah Elizabeth her name. When I was pregnant with her, Clark said, ‘Susie, your little princess will be filled with such promise.’ The day she was born, Bret and I christened her Sarah Elizabeth. Clark jumped up and said, ‘Didn’t I told ya? I told ya, didn’t I?’ God bless Clark Jones.”

MIKE “THUNDERA” THOMPSON: “Clark Kenneth Jones is the very reason that Sapp Elementary refers to me as ‘Mr. Thundera.’ What happened was, the cartoon ThunderCats was extremely popular—it became a national phenomenon. Anyway, Clark and I heard some kids talking about Lion-O and Mumm-Ra, and then Clark subconsciously looks at me and says, ‘So, whatcha got planned for the weekend, Mr. Thundera?’ I tell ya—that nickname sunk in quickly, because I actually signed a document as Michael Patrick Thundera. I shared this story at Clark’s homegoing service and got a good laugh. Even today, I will sign something as ‘Mr. Thundera,’ all because of Clark.”

THERESA COLEMAN: “My fondest memory of Clark… it would have to be the day that Jewel brought him over to meet the folks. I remember telling Jewel that I would steal him away if she ever let him go. Even Mama said that Clark was son-in-law material. I also remember how Clark cradled me and Jewel on the day that Mama went home to Glory. Jewel and I are all we’ve got—there are no other siblings, so for Clark to step up like he did and give me that brotherly hug… he stopped being my brother-in-law and officially became my brother.”

CLARENCE BURKALTER: “Clark was one who knew where his help came from—he always recognized that he was blessed beyond measure. I always admired how Clark treated Vivian like a queen. He absolutely loved her and would do anything in the world for her, just to make sure that she got what he felt she needed. I remember Clark saying to me: ‘If The Lord was to ask me if I wanted to replace Vivian, I would respectfully decline His offer. I’ve got a real queen on my hands.’ Not too many men realize a good thing until it’s gone, but Clark always did.”

JADE COLEMAN: “I’ll never forget my Uncle Clark—he was always there for me, in more ways than one. I didn’t grow up with a dad, so Uncle Clark filled in that void. I remember when I was seven years old, he told his co-workers that I was his biological niece, but he looked at me as more of a daughter. I never forgot that feeling of acceptance from him. From that day to this one, I still get chills when I think about how he looked at me as my cousins Cheryl and Dani… although I kinda look at them as my sisters. What can I say—it’s all in the family. Anyway, thanks for being there for me, Uncle Clark—I love you.”

REV. STANLEY D. RICHARDSON: “I will always remember how Brotha Clark participated in every service and every auxiliary… well, except the Women’s Ministry. The memory that sticks out the most to me, is when I was running late for Bible Study one Wednesday, and I asked Brotha Clark to teach the lesson until I got there. Well, when I arrived at the church house, he was doing such a good job that I just sat down and let him continue teaching. After the Bible Study ended, Brotha Clark came up to me and said, Just to letcha know, Pastor—teachin’ kids is so much easier than teachin’ grown folk!’ And he was telling the truth on that one.”

MRS. PAMELA RICHARDSON: “I shared this story at Mr. Jones’ homegoing, but it’s still my favorite story. Mr. Jones loved to tease me about not wearing a hat every Sunday. I remember one time during altar prayer, he whispered to me, ‘I still don’t see no hat.’ It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. Ironically enough, on the day of his homegoing service, I wore a hat just for him. Because of Mr. Jones, I own five hats, and whenever I put one on, I can’t help but chuckle and think about him.”

I know what you all are thinking: “Doesn’t Ms. Viv have a story to share?” Well, yes, she does. However, you will find out her most memorable moments of Clark when her book comes out sometime in the year 2012. Until then, take care and God Bless.