Valerie Clark Brown

A Celebration of Life

June 13, 1961

December 3, 2015

Valerie Clark

Brown

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted

Her Story Valerie Clark Brown, the eighth child born to the union of Hayward Clark Sr. and the late Mildred Acker Clark, was born on June 13, 1961. She grew up in New Orleans, LA, receiving her formal education in the Orleans Parish School System. Valerie graduated from Alcee Fortier Senior High School and Delgado Community College.

Valerie was employed for many years at the United States Postal Service. She also worked in accounting for the Sanger Theatre and Royal Sonesta Hotel before retiring. In her later years, she became a member of Hollygrove Church of Christ under the leadership of Minister Charles and Angela Marsalis. She served there and in her community until her departure from us.

Valerie was a very lively spirit who talked A LOT and enjoyed having a good time with anyone that she met. She LOVED sports and had played softball, basketball, and volleyball throughout her life. Always wanting things her way, one of her favorite quotes to say was “Get with the program” as she would always tell her children.

Valerie was preceded in death by her brothers Michael Acker Sr. and Hayward Clark Jr., and her mother Mildred Acker Clark.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, her father, Hayward Clark Sr.; her children, Tiffani B. Banks, Malickah M. Clark, and Terrance M. Clark; her grandchild Aiyé K. Banks; four sisters, Dornese Rumley, Phyllis Ann Riley, Sharon Clark (Alan), and Janina Clark; two brothers, Ivory Clark (Donna) and Warren Clark and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. 27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. 28 Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. 29 Let him bury his face in the dust-there may yet be hope. 30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. 31 For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. 33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. 34 To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, 35 to deny a man his rights before the Most High, 36 to deprive a man of justice-- would not the Lord see such things? 37 Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? 39 Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? 40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say: 42 "We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven. 43 "You have covered yourself with anger and pursued us; you have slain without pity. 44 You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can get through.

Lamentations 3:22-45

Va l e r i e C l a r k B r o w n June 13, 1961

– December 3,

2015

Celebration of Life Hollygrove Church of Christ 2940 Cambronne Street New Orleans, LA 70118

Officiant: Minister Charles Marsalis Saturday, December 12, 2015 10:00 a.m.

Musical Prelude Processional ……...………………………………………………… Ministers and Family Mistress of Ceremony ……………………………………………………. Angela Marsalis Scripture Readings Old Testament ……………………………………. John Ellis New Testament …………………………….. Dwayne Thomas Prayer ………………………………………………………………………... John Ellis Duet …………………………………………… Malickah M. Clark and August Marsalis Obituary ……………………………………………………………….. Angela Marsalis Poem ……………………………………………………………… Donna Johnson Clark Solo ………………………………………………………………………… Amber Bell Eulogy ………………………………………………………... Minister Charles Marsalis Words of Encouragement ……………………………………………… Visiting Ministers Benediction He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4

Va l e r i e C l a r k B r o w n June 13, 1961

– December 3,

2015

Precious Memories If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the lord’s.

Romans 14:8

Va l e r i e C l a r k B r o w n June 13, 1961

– December 3,

2015

Precious Memories I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.

John 11:25, 26

Va l e r i e C l a r k B r o w n June 13, 1961

– December 3,

2015

The Fallen Limb A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, The laughter, the song.

The good life I lived While I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, My soul is at rest.

Remembering all, How I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, No matter how small.

Go on with your life, Don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, So keep up your chin.

Until the day comes, We’re together again.

Va l e r i e C l a r k B r o w n June 13, 1961

– December 3,

2015

A Tribute In Art

Va l e r i e C l a r k B r o w n June 13, 1961

– December 3,

2015

Isaiah 41:10, 13 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand … For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Acknowledgements We are thankful for the life and memories of Valerie Clark Brown. We would like to extend our gratitude for the many expressions of love, kindness, concern, and support shown through prayers, phone calls, visits, and any other acts of kindness. Thank you to the University Medical Center of New Orleans and Cannon Hospice for their superior care of our loved one in her last times here on Earth. We would also like to show extreme gratitude to the Hollygrove Church of Christ and Level Ground Church families for always being a great support system for Valerie and her family. Many thanks are also given to the New Orleans East Hospital family, and the faculty and staff of McDonogh 35 Sr. High School and Dillard University for their support and gestures of condolence.

The Children

Arrangements Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc. 1833 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70113

Repast Immediately Following Service

Program Design & Printing: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com