Virginia B. Highfill Clark

After a lengthy battle with cancer, she left this earthly life just as she had lived it in peace . Born in

Rockingham County on May 8, 1922 to Claudia Barnes Highfill and Houston Taylor Highfill, she moved to Winston-

Salem at age two, attended public schools , graduating from John W. Hanes High School in 1939. She was

employed at P. H. Hanes Knitting Co. for several years.

As a youth she was influenced by the inspiring chapel talks of Mr. John Haltiwanger, school principal,

the encouragement of a favorite high school English teacher, Miss Carrie Dungan, her pastor, Rev. James M.

Hayes, North Winston Baptist Church, and others.

She graduated from Meredith College in 1947 cum laude, and received a Distinguished Alumnae Award in 1986.

In 1949 she was awarded the M.R.E. degree from the Carver School of Social Work , Louisville, Ky.,

served as Minister of Education at the Angier Avenue Baptist Church, Durham, NC. prior to appointment by the

Foreign Mission Board to mission service in Japan where she served until 1984.

Upon her return to Winston-Salem in 1984, she graciously assisted with the care of her mother while serving her

community and the Northwest Baptist Church, in many leadership positions. She was a Language Consultant, N.C.

Baptist State Convention, 1984-1991, a ministry where she formed deep friendships with Japanese

people in the state. Expressing their love and appreciation at every opportunity, her Japanese friends visited her

regularly in the hospital until her death. Her family sincerely appreciates their loyal friendship.

Monthly meetings of the Japanese Ministry Group continues at Northwest Baptist. A highlight of her retirement

was a return visit to Japan arranged by her Japanese friends.

Virginia lived generously and met each day with hope. Her greatest joys were hosting a family gathering,

teaching and sharing her love and deep faith in her Lord and Savior.

In 2008, she married Dr. C. F. Clark, medical missionary at the Baptist Hospital in Kyoto, Japan;

he survives her and resides at Brookridge Retirement Community. The family expresses sincere

appreciation to the Brookridge staff for their loving care.

She is survived by three step-sons; Robert (Diana), Tim (Linda), and Chris (Denise), brother, Dr. W. Lawrence Highfill,

(Hilda); a sister, Mrs. Lena H. Thomas ( Alvin), and many loving extended family, including nieces: Nancy Highfill Hendershot (Gene),

Mary Highfill Musser (Gary), Olivia Isentol, and Tina Byerly; and nephews: David L. Highfill (Greg Vogler), Tony Thomas (Suzie), and numerous great nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Northwest Baptist Church, 407 Petree Rd., Winston-Salem, NC on

February 14, 2015 at 2pm with visitation following the service.