Darlene Clark

Darlene E Clark, 71, beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away Friday July 19, 2019 in Barrington, Illinois where she spent the past year in the loving care of her daughter. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Nov 22, 1947 to Richard and Ellaymah Smith. Darlene was the highly honored matriarch of her family and after her mother’s passing at a young age was instrumental in helping raise and guide all her younger siblings, who often looked to her for advice, encouragement and support. Darlene worked tirelessly in the bar and entertainment industry for more than 50 years to provide for her family in hopes that her children and grandchildren would have bigger and better opportunities. She was especially proud that two of her daughters and a grandson became nurses, three of her grandson’s served in the military and another is soon to deploy to bootcamp. She was her son’s number one supporter and always believed in him. She proudly helped raise and guide her loving step-daughter, Jessica who credits her with the woman and mother she is today, as her own. Her grandson, Spencer, had a special place in her heart and has and will forever be his best friend.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband Kenny Clark, her parents Richard and Ellaymah Smith, her brother Richard Smith, her sister, Debra Smith, niece Alicia Britt, nephew Chris Smith, and her granddaughter in law, Barbi Manley. Darlene is survived by her children David Oehlers Sr, Denise Malek (Zbigniew), Deena Butler, Jessica Clark (Paul), her sisters Sandy Sarles, Ellaymah Radford (Channey), her grandchildren Justin (Ana), Jonathan (Carly), Jeffrey, Jessica, RaLynne (Dylan), Alyssa (Kevin), Jessica, Kaleigh, David Jr, Jeremy, Spencer, Avery, Sebastian, Colton, her great-grandchildren JJ, Evelyn, Olivia, Blaize along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Darlene was married to Kenny Clark for 29 years until his passing in 2016. They enjoyed countless hours at their lake house fishing and enjoying family. They especially loved going on cruises and having a good time in the casino. Christmas was Darlene’s favorite time of year and she loved seeing her family on Christmas morning opening gifts.

A graveside service will be held in her honor on Friday, July 26, 2019 at 11:00am at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. 32207. A private family visitation will precede the services at 10:00am. The family will have a Celebration of Life following her services at her daughter Jessica’s home.