Catherine Clark was a faithful member of New Bethlehem Baptist Church. She was involved in various ministries such as the Deaconess Ministry, Bereavement Committee, the Feeding Program, Missionary Society, the Scotts Inspirational Chorus, Sunday school and the Revival Choir.

Clark was dedicated to her church family and enjoyed ministering to the sick and shut-in. Her family said she lived according to the Biblical scripture of Paul, in 2 Timothy. Clark died on February 10. She was 79.

Clark was born on October 7, 1932, to Lucius and Anna Smith in Homerville, Georgia. She was the third of eight children.

At an early age, Catherine’s family moved to Danville, Virginia. She accepted Christ at the Loyal Baptist Church when she was 13 years old. She received her education in the public school district and graduated from Langston Mercer High School. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Percy E. Clark.

In 1952, her family moved to Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, Percy followed her to Philadelphia. After a short courtship they were married in 1953. They had three daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Pamela.

She joined New Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1958 under the pastorate of the late Rev. James F. Scott.

Clark worked as a cashier until retirement. She had a long healthy life until she became ill in 2009. During her illness her faith in Jesus Christ became even stronger. Daughters Carol Briggs and Pamela Johnson, and son-in-law William took very good care of her.

Clark leaves to mourn: daughters, Carol Briggs (William) and Pamela Johnson (Jesse); grandchildren, Phillip Wilson (Joenetta), Kimberly Wilson, Tara Johnson, Tahir Briggs, Tarik Briggs and Catherine Johnson; great-grandchildren, Khalen and Khristian; godchild, Angelina Hopkins; siblings, Pauline Inge, Lillie Terry, Herbert Smith, Lurene Lenear (Robert), Annie Mackey, (John Sr.) and Clarence Smith; brother-in-law, Floyd Clark; three sisters-in law, Betty Clark, Meta Clark and Kitty Clark; two lifelong friends, Lois Petty and Cora Cooke; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Clark was preceded in death by her husband Percy Clark, her daughter Marilyn Wilson and her brother Lucius Smith.

Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Preston and Aspen. The viewing will be at 9 a.m. The service will be at 10 a.m. James L. Morse Funeral Home handled the arrangements.