Ethel G. Clark

Ethel Mae Gregg Clark was one of two children born to the late Junius Gregg, Sr. and Rosa Frances Gregg. Her brother, Junius Gregg, Jr’s demise preceded her birth. Ethel was born on September 16, 1917 in Sumter, South Carolina. After the death of her father, Ethel and her mother moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ethel’s dream of becoming a teacher was manifested at a very early age. A surviving cousin recalls that when Ethel was about 11 or 12 years old, she loved to play “school,” always assuming the role of the teacher. By the time her one “student” was enrolled in kindergarten, she was so advanced that she was skipped to first grade. Shortly thereafter, she was skipped to second grade.

Ethel first attended Barber Scotia Junior College in Concord, North Carolina. In June 1942 she graduated with honors from North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) in Durham NC. Being one who always encouraged others to grow professionally, she set the same standards for her own personal growth; thus she earned two Master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania – one in 1957 and the other in 1967. She also received fellowships to attend the University of California at Berkeley and Harvard University. In 1984, Rider College in New Jersey granted her a Certificate for School Psychology. One of her first teaching assignments was at Overbrook High School, her alma mater. Ethel’s broad academic background enabled her not only to be a superior teacher but also a stellar motivator and counselor of her students, encouraging them to develop their talent to the fullest.

A devout Christian who attended Reeve Memorial Presbyterian Church most of her life, one would often hear her say, “My best advice for young and old people is to guide your lives by constantly reading the book of Proverbs, especially Proverbs 4:7 which reminds us that “wisdom is the principle thing: therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding.”

Ethel was recognized for her service beyond being a teacher and a school guidance counselor. She was very involved in the activities of the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for over 25 years until her health began to decline. She was also a very supportive member of the National Association of University Women. Reeve Memorial Presbyterian Church awarded her a Certificate of Appreciation for more than 50 years of service as a tutor. AFL-CIO also awarded her a certificate for her years of community services – especially in directing talented students toward the trade professions. The Mayor’s Office of Literacy also awarded her a certificate for services as a tutor. She was also recognized by the Attestation of Pilgrimage of Jerusalem Pilgrims.

Ethel leaves a legacy which is a reflection of her lifelong love and concern not only for her former students, but most especially for her family members who regarded her as a role model. She leaves behind relatives who are carpenters, clergymen, college professors, dieticians, directors of child care centers, farmers, financial analysts, funeral directors, information technology project managers, judges, medical technologists, nurses, plumbers, restaurant entrepreneurs, school administrators, systems analysts, teachers in public schools and a TV anchorman.

God called Ethel to eternal rest on Thursday June 14, 2012. Left behind to mourn her departure of this world and to celebrate her homegoing are two Goddaughters, Audra Colclough of Ambler, PA and Diane Carroll of Pittsburgh, PA; two surviving aunts and one uncle: Pearl Pringle, Mathilda Green and Mason Francis, all of Sumter SC; three generations of other relatives and a few surviving friends.

Interment at Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Broomall, PA.