Evelyn Manning Clark

Born in March 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia; Evelyn’s family later moved to North Richland Hills, Texas, where she attended Birdville High School. Throughout her school years, Evelyn developed a love for music, playing piano, organ, and trombone in the marching and jazz bands. She loved learning and was Valedictorian of her graduating class. Evelyn attended Texas Christian University and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Southern Methodist University; and later completed her Master and Doctorate of Arts degrees in Special Education from the University of Houston.

Evelyn and Larry, her beloved husband of 56 years, raised three children. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and educator; inspired every day by her son Michael’s “walk of faith” with deafblindness.

Evelyn’s professional career began in the Dallas Independent School District. After moving to Houston, she wrote and taught special education courses at the University of Houston and also worked at Richmond State School for Supported Living. Evelyn later worked in administrative roles in Spring Branch Independent School District: Director of Special Education, principal at Terrace Elementary and the Bendwood School before retiring in 2004.

Evelyn’s combined parent-professional perspective of meeting all children’s learning needs was respected by parents and colleagues. She was elected to the Spring Branch Independent School District Board of Trustees in 1978, serving as Board President in 1980. Other organizations on which she served include: the Texas Governor’s Council of People with Disabilities (with Justin Dart), The Living Bank, MHMRA, Neuhaus Education Center, and the Lighthouse of Houston.

Faith in God was Evelyn’s cornerstone. She was a charter member of Richland Hills Christian Church, Memorial Drive Christian Church (Houston) and attended White’s Chapel Methodist Church (Southlake).

Fellowship groups blessed Evelyn with many lifelong friendships. Staying in touch with family and friends brought her much happiness. She will be dearly missed.

Predeceased by parents Tempie and Rufford Manning, husband, Larry H. Clark, and son, Michael, Evelyn is survived by her son, Dr. Tracy Clark (wife Dr. Suzanne “Missy” Plum Clark), and daughter, Stephanie Clark Oates (husband John). She has six grandchildren: David Clark Oates (wife Carley), Amanda and Ashley Oates, Cory Plum (wife Lindsay), Danny Plum, Michael M. Clark; and great-grandson, Case Plum.

A public visitation will be held in Houston, Texas, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery on Friday, June 20 beginning at 9am, followed by a service in the Liberty Chapel at 10am (Burial to follow).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas (DBMAT). www.dbmat-tx.org