Carla LeAnne Clark

Carla LeAnne Clark, a radiant spirit of love, compassion, and devotion, passed away peacefully at her home in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on July 14, 2025. Born on September 24, 1965, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to William Alanzo Walker and Vera Lucille (Blackbird) Walker, Carla's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of family, faith, and joy.

For 20 years, Carla's heart poured out love and care to mentally challenged adults, touching lives with her kindness and patience. Her home was filled with the warmth of her decorating touch, the creativity of her crafts, and the bounty of her garden. As a home interior decorator, she brought beauty to others' homes while hosting gatherings that overflowed with laughter and love. Above all, Carla cherished moments with her grandkids, twirling on the dance floor, gambling at the casino, and sharing laughter while watching Skinwalker Ranch with her sister. Christmas was her holiday haven, filled with food, family, and the joy of gathering. In earlier years, Carla enjoyed doing word search puzzles and taking her kids on camping adventures.

Carla loved her grandkids and family very much – and it was well-known: you didn't mess with her grandkids. Her fierce love and protection of those closest to her were a testament to the depth of her devotion. Carla's Christian faith was the anchor of her life, and she would want to be remembered as a strong, loving woman whose love for her family and kids knew no bounds. She was the "neighborhood mom" to many – whenever anyone in need asked for help, Carla gave what she could, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a warm meal. Her door was open, and her heart was wider.

But the greatest love of Carla's life was her husband, Lowell Clayton Clark, whom she married on April 14, 1989, in Sebastian County, Arkansas. For 32 years, Carla and Lowell shared a journey of joy, laughter, and adventure. She loved traveling with him on his job, listening intently to his music, and basking in the love they shared.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, William Alonso Walker and Vera Lucille (Blackbird) Walker, her husband, Lowell Clayton Clark, her sisters, Angela Manus and Karen Adair, and bonus family members Carolyn Anson who was like a sister and husband Bill who was like a brother.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her son, Cody Bell and wife Alicia Wiley of Tahlequah; her daughters, Vanessa Lyday and husband Anthony of Tahlequah, Vera Clark and husband Paul Spicer of Talala, Oklahoma, and Ashton Little and husband Bud of Warner, Oklahoma; her brother, Gordon Walker and wife Barbara of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; her sisters, Janet Lawrence and husband Matt of Park Hill, Oklahoma, Marla Holderbee of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Sheryl Kizzia of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and her grandchildren, Braxton Rooster, Alyssa Downing, Landen Clark, Lexie Downing, Ayden Clark, Austin Little, Riley Cooper, Taven Cooper, Logan Bell, Brooklyn Little, and Mia Bell; and her bonus family Gary Anson who was like a son, Linda Wilson who was like a sister, and Davyen Smith who was like a granddaughter.

Carla's love touched countless lives, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Yet in memory, her warmth, her smile, and her loving spirit will live on forever.

A funeral for Carla will be held Monday, July 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, Oklahoma with Pastor Mat Lawrence officiating.

Carla will be laid to rest in Walker Cemetery, Park Hill, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Cody Bell, Braxton Rooster, Landen Clark, Austin Little, Chris Kizzia, and Gary Anson. Honorary pallbearers include Gordon Walker, Paul Walker, Bud Little, Paul Spicer, Anthony Lyday, Ayden Clark, and Taven Cooper.