1958 Homecoming Queen, Retired
Educator and Golden Eagle Dies



Bettye Eleanor Brown Clark

COUNCIL, NC - Bettye Eleanor Brown Clark passed away peacefully on May 16, 2009, surrounded by her adoring family, after an extended illness. Bettye was born in Riegelwood to the late George W. Brown and Betty Drye Brown on October 28, 1937. Bettye was educated in the Riegelwood public schools and graduated from East Arcadia High School. She graduated from North Carolina College (presently, North Carolina Central University (NCCU)) in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. While at NCCU, Bettye became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and she also represented the senior class as a homecoming queen. She was to be inducted into The Society of Golden Eagles at NCCU's Homecoming 2009 and during the Centennial Celebration of NCCU. After graduating from college, Bettye worked at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company.

In 1959 she was married to the late Dr. Martin V. Clark. To this union, three children were born.

In the mid-1960's and 1970's, Bettye taught at Durham Business College, before moving with her family to Washington, to begin a high school teaching career at Coolidge and Cardoza High Schools. While at Coolidge High School, Bettye was instrumental in co-creating the 'M.I.N.D' Program, a new innovative high school program that focused on 'meeting the individual needs daily' of its students. In 1976, Bettye and family returned to North Carolina, where she taught at Hillside High School in Durham until her retirement in 1990.

Bettye found great joy in her grandchildren and in the numerous family gatherings held at her home. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved cross word puzzles and writing letters and sending cards to loved ones. She was an extraordinary person who showed all who knew her what great strength and courage is.

Bettye was predeceased by her brother, Jack Brown, and sister, Tabitha B. Thomas. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, whom she adored, Gina Clark Holt (John), Lori B. Clark, Martin V. Clark Jr., DDS (Meron); grandchildren, John P. Holt III, Sydney Simone Holt, Miles Clark Holt, and Henan Amani Clark. Also surviving Bettye are three brothers, George, William and Oliver; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Brown and Marva Brown; three sisters, Lucy B. Mason, Ruby B. McAllister, and Revenda B. Ross; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family sincerely thanks the many friends and family whose prayers and visits sustained them during Bettye's illness, and also gives special thanks to Dr. Lola Olajide, Dr. George Paschal, and the Rex Hospital staff and nurses who provided exemplary, compassionate, and comforting care during her illness.

The funeal was at Carver's Creek AME Zion Church; on May 23, 2009 and the arrangements were by the McLaurin Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in memory of Bettye Brown Clark to Carver's Creek AME Zion Church Memorial Fund, 210 Carver's Creek Rd., Council, NC 28434 or North Carolina Central University Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 25111, Durham, NC 27702.