Mr. John "JW" Clark

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Today, our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss of our beloved brother. His bright light and big heart have gone to be with the Lord, but we will remember his warmth, love, and kindness. John taught us all some fundamental lessons while he made his journey through life. Of which, the most memorable was to develop a sense of impenetrable generosity. He was a wonderful father, son, brother, nephew, and uncle who was always there when we needed him. He also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community. The Blessed Life of John Wash Clark “J.W.” began Friday, November 26, 1954, born to the late Charlie Clark, Sr. and Florida Ross-Clark in Mellwood, Arkansas. He was the fifth child born following Rosemary, Charlene, Charlie, Johnny, and Shirelene; followed by Everette, Henry, Sharon, Mary, Marilyn, and Nina. Over the years John took on the role of Father for many of his nieces and nephews; he had a special place in his heart and he loved them as he loved his own children . His first love was God, after that he showed his family and friends unconditional love. John seemed to enjoy helping people. He had special pet names and relationships with each of them. John spent his late childhood and early adulthood in Chicago, Illinois under the parentage of the late Annie Jordan “Q. T.” John was reared in a household where Christian values, education, hard work, and the love and support of family were a priority and these attributes became the foundation on which he built his life. Two phenomenal events of his life were the birth of his two children; sons, Jason Duvall Clark and Justin Jay Clark. He took so much pride in raising and nurturing his children. After becoming a grandfather to Jayden and Kloe, John seemed to have been given a new lease of life. He took so much pride in spending weeks vacationing, going on long road trips, and he loved spending quality time with them. He loved and cherished his children and grandchildren and created so many memorable years. John will forever be remembered by his warm and kind spirit. When it came to caring for others, he would stop and drop everything he was doing to lend a helping hand. Aside from loving to be with family members, he had many things that he enjoyed doing. He loved growing house plants and had a real green thumb. Most of all, John was very genuine with the love he showed to family and friends, never meeting a stranger. He had a loving relationship with every member of his family and they will miss him dearly. John accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized by water. He was active in his local church throughout his adult life and enjoyed fellowshipping with them serving as: an usher, and volunteering in any auxiliary where there was a need. His relationship with God was very visible through his stewardship. John lived in Kansas City, Kansas for a great number of years, where he married Arline the mother of his two sons. In 1994 he relocated to Saginaw, Michigan where he spent the rest of his life around his siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. While in Saginaw John was a very dedicated employee at Eaton Corporation as a Machine Operator and Production at Means Industries. In addition, John studied Heat and received his certification in 2008 at Delta College in Saginaw. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He often spoke of his precious grandchildren Jayden and Khloe, whom he often referred to as his prince and princess. He also enjoyed visiting the homes of his cousins for cookouts, attending church, family events, and traveling. Early on a blessed and beautiful Monday morning, March 25, 2024, at 12:12 a.m. John answered the call of Jesus and traded mortality for immortality. An eternal life that had been planned sixty-nine years ago. God prepared a place just for him. May we all walk as John did with faith and confidence knowing we are all children of the One God. Surviving family he leaves to cherish his memory and forever keep his legacy alive, son, Justin Clark, Kansas City, KS; granddaughter, Khloe, Kansas, City, KS; grandson Jayden, Kansas City, KS; daughter-in-love, Brittney, Kansas City, KS; sisters, Rose Lee Mubiru, Detroit, MI; Missionary Charlene Powell, Saginaw, MI; Mary (Robert) Slater, Memphis, TN; Marilyn (James) Golden, and Nina Ross, Benton Harbor, MI; brothers, Charlie (Jeanette) Clark, Saginaw, MI; Johnny (Cheryl) Ross, Raytown, TX; sisters-in-law, Vera Clark, Saginaw, MI and Jerlester Gordon-Freeman, Marvell, AR; uncle, Henry (Brenda) Burrell, Saginaw, MI; life partner, Susan Furman, Saginaw MI; special friends, Faye Cole and Katrina Harry; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Mr. John “JW” Clark was preceded in death by one son, Jason Clark; parents, Florida and, Charlie, Sr.; Annie Jordan ”Q.T.”; sisters, Rosemary Goodwine, Shirelene Gum, and Sharon Johnson; brothers, Everette Clark and Henry Ross; brothers-in-law, David Goodwine, Sr., Izah Broadus and Jefery Johnson; aunts, Neomia Williams, Elizabeth Lewis, Mary Lee, Lorsteen Webster, Vinnie C. Robinson and Georgia Burrell; uncles, Oscar Lewis, Rufus Lee, Louis Burrell and Richard Burrell; nieces, Maria Goodwine, Lashun King, Kelsey Williams, and Jenna Ross; baby nephews, Tyrone Goodwine and Brandon Ross. “In life we had pleasures with our loved ones we have sorrows and joy but thank God for the memories that death cannot destroy” Funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Cathedral, 3121 Sheridan, Saginaw, MI 48601. Bishop Larry Camel, Host Pastor and Pastor Andre Faulkner will officiate. Visitation will take place from 2:00-7:00 PM on Friday.

Mr. John "JW" Clark

November 26, 1954 - March 25, 2024