Betty Jean Clark

June 4, 1940 – September 5, 2026

Betty Jean Clark, lovingly known as “Mom,” “Granny,” and “Betty” to her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side on September 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on June 4, 1940, in Jay, Florida, Betty was the daughter of Melvin and Gussie Hawthorne. She grew up on a farm with her parents and seven younger siblings. Because she helped care for her brothers and sisters while her parents worked in the fields, she was often regarded as the “second mom” of the family.

After high school, Betty moved to Pensacola, Florida, where she began a lifelong career with the Pensacola News Journal. She worked in the finance department for 40 years, ultimately serving as chief accountant. She also served on the board of directors of Telco Credit Union for many years and was active in fundraising for numerous charitable causes. Betty was known for her strong work ethic, compassion, dedication, and nurturing spirit.

Betty married Alvin Clark on July 7, 1966. They relocated to Gulf Breeze, Florida, where they raised their two children, Melissa Ann Clark and Timothy Wayne Clark.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Gussie Hawthorne; her husband, Alvin Clark; and two of her brothers, Carlos Hawthorne and Preston “Buddy” Hawthorne.

She is survived by her children, Melissa Clark and Timothy Clark; her grandchildren, Kayla Trent and her spouse, Timothy Trent, and Anthony Clark; her great-grandchildren, Alayna Trent and Isaiah Trent; her siblings, Lorene Hawthorne, Calvin Hawthorne, Christine Ashcraft, Darlene and Richard Caldwell, and Rena and Mike Gandy; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

While her family grieves the tremendous emptiness her absence leaves behind, they are grateful for 86 years of memories, stories, laughter, lessons, and love.

There are some people whose presence becomes so woven into a family that it is difficult to imagine the world without them. Betty was one of those people.

She will be remembered at family gatherings, through special recipes and holiday traditions, and in the moments of everyday life. She will live on in stories and photographs, in the faces and personalities of the generations that follow her, and in the traditions she helped create.

Her family will miss her laugh, her hugs, the sound of her voice, her calm and experienced advice, her special holiday cooking, and even the Hawthorne stubbornness that each of them carries in some small way.

Most of all, they will miss her.

Although saying goodbye to a life so deeply loved is extraordinarily difficult, the love Betty gave throughout her lifetime does not end with her passing. It remains in her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and every person fortunate enough to have been loved by her.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida 32503. Family and friends may begin gathering at 1:30 p.m., with the funeral and memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Those wishing to send flowers may have arrangements delivered to Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel & Bayview Memorial Park at 3351 Scenic Highway.