Willie Bernice Clark

Willie Bernice Sanders was born on July 13, 1926 in Lampkin, Mississippi to Emma Lee Oliver and Cesear Sanders. The one store town of Lampkin became home to a little girl that would affectionately become known as “Willie B.” She was the third of seven children. Willie B. accepted Christ at the age of 14 at Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend D. H. Span. As she matured in Christ, she grew to love one of the best-selling gospel songs of all time, “How I Got Over.” She fell in love with the hymn’s original version composed by Clara Ward, but her fondness toward the song deepened after it was performed by Mahalia Jackson at the historic March on Washington in 1963. Willie B. married Morris Clark, Sr. on December 26, 1944. To this union, ten children were born. Their first born, Baby Clark and second to last born, Phillip, preceded her in death. Willie B. worked at Leaf Brands, Inc., a candy company on the west side of Chicago, IL. By the 1980s, nearly a fourth of all candy made in the United States was produced in Chicago. As a machine operator, Willie B. contributed to making Chicago a national leader in candy manufacturing. After 31 years of being involved in the production of many household favorites, including Whoppers malted milk balls, Sixlets, Jolly Ranchers, and Milk Duds, she retired from Leaf Brands, Inc. in 1989. Although Willie B. enjoyed working (and wished she would have stayed at the candy factory longer), it was her love for God and church that kept her active and vibrant in her later years. She joined New True Vine Missionary Baptist Church on February 19, 1968. She was a dedicated member of the congregation and faithfully attended church until she was old enough to join the Mothers’ Board. When her physical body would no longer allow her to attend in person, she supported as best she could and was grateful for church members that called and visited her. Willie B. is preceded in death by her six siblings: Hattie, Lizzie Mae, James, Minnie, Joseph and Robert. She will be cherished and remembered, with much love, by her children Betty, Morris Jr., Katherine, James (Brenda), Tamar, Doll, Demetress (Bob), and Cecil; 17 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. Willie B. often shared that she gave her very best when raising her children. She raised them the best and only way she knew how – teaching them to love each other. Mrs. Willie B. Clark’s legacy is defined by her putting her children first, giving loved ones her best and always taking care of home. Her love for cooking, feeding and nurturing will be etched in the hearts of her children and grandchildren forever. She will be remembered for her love of God and church, her incredible gift of mothering and her exquisite wardrobe.

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