Elizabeth Jean Clark

Elizabeth Jean Clark, “Betty Jean,” age 92 of Warren, died Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Ascension St. John Hospital in Madison Heights. She was born August 22, 1928 in Detroit, daughter of the late Marcell Mitchell and the late Elizabeth Clare (nee: Frey) LaFrance.

As life ensued and Betty Jean was blessed with a loving family, she poured the best of herself into maintaining all the comforts of home & hearth and providing a safe and warm environment for her loved ones to share. When the chores were behind her and Betty Jean was able to enjoy a little “me time,” she often found sweet release in playing card games with family and friends,…her two go-to games being the Michigan favorite, Euchre,…and a little “Penny-Ante Poker” to stir the gambling side she possessed. Whether it was one or the other, or perhaps something different, Betty Jean simply lived for those treasured moments of sitting around the card table, slingin’ some cards, and sharing a bit friendly banter in the process.

If it wasn’t cards calling her name, then you would have often found Betty Jean down at the Bingo Hall competing for the win amongst her fellow Bingo Buddies. There was just something anticipatory and thrilling in getting the chance to scream out “BINGO” when that last chip is laid,…and Betty Jean knew that feeling quite well. Second only to the joy she garnered by participating in her chosen games was the immense pleasure she received through the many game shows she watched on television. With the Game Show Network being one of the most highly rated TV fares, those numbers were easily swayed by Betty Jean’s loyal and dedicated affinity for tuning in regularly.

As her children grew and experienced the joys of their youth, it was also a time that Betty Jean loved serving as a leader in the various girls associations, to include the Blue Birds, Brownies, and the Girl Scouts of America. Being a mentor and helping the girls grow in the many disciplines of life that we learn at an early age brought Betty Jean immense pleasure and satisfaction,...both for the girls as well as herself.

Of course, the greatest joy she received came from her precious and loving family & friends. No matter what the occasion, (and at times there were none), simply sharing the company of another you hold dear and close can provide some of the most heartfelt moments of all,  and Betty Jean coveted each of them she was blessed to know.

And, Oh,…this little bio would be sadly remiss if not for mentioning one of her other “pleasure center” favorites,…those tasty & delectable Mexican Pizza’s from Taco Bell! Just imagine the heartache and hunger pangs Betty Jean has endured ever since they discontinued the pizza’s from the menu? Hopefully they’re still serving them in Heaven.

Betty Jean was the beloved wife of the late Mark James, Sr. Dearest mother of Mark James, Jr., Kimberly Clark, and the late Vickie Trottier.  Loving grandmother of William Jr. (Paula) Trottier, Mark Trottier, Nicole Clark, Michael Trottier, Derrick Clark, Stephanie Clark, Erica (Mark) Sovljanski, Beth Ann Trottier, Samantha Trottier, and great-grandmother of Jonothon, Madison, Ivy, William III, Katelynn, Ethan, Isabella, Maxton, Michael Jr., and Derrick Jr. Sister of Nancy, Donald, Janice, Linda, Brenda, and predeceased by 8 other brothers and sisters. 

And though her loved ones are all listed above, there remains one unmentioned family member that requires a little special attention,...her Fur-Grandbaby, Kimber. Belonging to her son, Mark, yet sharing the same home, Kimber is a mix of Pitbull & boxer that captured her heart,...and she never let go. Often caught overfeeding her "grandpuppy," what was Mark to do? He knew of the immense joy those two shared, and Kimber's heart is truly broken. 

Visitation for Betty Jean will be held Friday, December 11th from 3-9 pm, with a 6 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.

She will lie in state on Saturday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church - St. Clement Campus in Center Line. Committal services & burial will take place at Christian Memorial Cultural Center, 521 E. Hamlin Road in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Please share memories of Betty Jean at her guest book below.