Jerry Clark

Jerry Walker Clark, son of the late Sammy Clark and Mrs. Marion Clark was born August 30, 1946 in Saint Louis, Missouri. Jerry, also known as “Junior” to his family and as “Clark” to all others that knew him, was the oldest of three children; one sister Carol Clark and one brother Anthony Clark.

Clark attended Beaumont High School in Saint Louis, Missouri and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963 as an Aviation Ordinance Man. He loved the ocean and spent most of his career on the sea and retired after 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer.

In 1972, Clark was joined in holy matrimony to Mrs. Betty Lureen Clark, his wife and friend for over 47 years. Through their union, they have one daughter Jehan Clark and a host of “adopted” children. They have God Sons James Collins (who he described as the son they never had) and Malik Green, a God Daughter Janna Stariha who lovingly refers to him as “Uncle Clark”, an “adopted” granddaughter Mary Jordan who always had a special relationship with her “Grampy” and a fur baby girl named LeeLo who favors him over everyone else in the family.

Clark and Betty came to California when he was stationed at Alameda Naval Base and later transferred to Moffett Field, CA. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Clark returned to the Bay Area where he went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Doctor of Arts in Theology and Biblical Counseling. He was also a chaplain and an ordained minister. Although he worked at the Oakland Naval Supply Center, ultimately, he acquired his Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADAC) Certification and retired as an alcohol and drug substance abuse counselor and case worker.

In the Bay Area, Clark was a dedicated member of Open Bible Faith Community Church in San Jose, CA until he relocated to Stockton, CA and joined First Baptist Church of Stockton where he remained an active member. He also served as an Ombudsman for San Joaquin County for over five years.

Clark loved reading and had a huge collection of books (that no one could touch). He enjoyed all genres of music, particularly jazz and gospel and you would see him watching most sports especially his favorite San Francisco 49ers. He prided himself in looking good and smelling good and had a collection of clothes, shoes, and cologne, but above all, Clark loved God and his family. He was at his happiest spending time and enjoying the company of his wife and daughter. He spent his last days with Betty, Jehan and one of his “adopted” daughters Brenda Jones who referred to him as her “Papa” and were all by his side when he transitioned.

God called Jerry home on October 31, 2019 at the age of 73 on the seas that he so loved. He was preceded in death by his parents Sammy and Marion Clark.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memories his wife Betty, daughter Jehan (Jureall), sister Carol, brother Anthony, God Daughter Janna, God Sons James and Malik, granddaughter Mary, and a host of “adopted” children, sister-in laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.