Erma Clark was an extremely eclectic woman. She had a fervent love for family, friends, holidays, Elvis, clocks, Coca Cola, chocolate, all things sweet, and shopping. In fact, her secret to long life was drinking lots of Coke. Gifts were her love language, and you could always depend on an unexpected gift. Her grandchildren and great-grands were overly blessed with Thomas the Tank Engine toys, Hot Wheels cars, toy fire trucks, Beanie Babies, Webkinz, Build-A-Bears, and the list continues. Coworkers could depend on pies, popsicles, and the ever-bottomless candy dish. The only thing she loved more than her family was giving.
She was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on May 4, 1943, to Raymond and Clara Privitt. He was away serving in Europe during WWII, so she and her mother lived with her maternal grandparents. During high school, her family moved to Ellendale, Tennessee, where she attended Bartlett High School. After graduating, she worked at TG&Y. There she was introduced to the love of her life, Harris Clark. Erma and Harris were blessed with two amazing children. In the early 1980’s they settled in Bartlett, Tennessee to be near her parents, and they found a wonderful church home, Ellendale Baptist—the same church where they were wed. After both children left home, Erma wasn’t settling in well as an empty nester. The opportunity arose for her to start working at Jim Keras Nissan. That was 34 years ago.
During those 34 years, she was blessed with the privilege to raise her oldest granddaughter, watch her son marry, welcome more grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren into the family. Also, she became a second mother to fellow employees. Lots of pecan, chess, and chocolate pies filtered through the doors of Jim Keras Nissan. They looked forward to Erma dressing up as Mrs. Santa Claus every Christmas, and on scorching, hot summer days, she was known to deliver popsicles to the outside workers. With all the love and kindness she exuded, Erma was also known for her strong and conscientious work ethic. If she was assigned a task, it was done quickly, efficiently and correctly. During her employment, Erma celebrated her eightieth birthday. Her fellow coworkers surprised her with an Elvis themed birthday cake.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents, and her daughter, Pamela Barnes. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Harris Clark of Bartlett, Tennessee. One son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Rhonda Clark of Bartlett. One sister, Carol Harris. Three granddaughters, Shelley (Brandon) VanHooser, Ashley Clark, and Sasha Lauren Esparza. Three grandsons, Ryan Clark, Andrew Miller, and Alex Gailor. Lastly, the three newest lights in her life. Three great-grandsons, David, Christian, and Noah.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Erma’s memory to the Ellendale Baptist Church or Redemption Church. Contributions can be made online at https://www.ebcbartlett.org/ or https://redemptionmem.churchcenter.com/home.
