Anna Bea Clark was born on May 16 th , 1942 to the late John Burgess and Minnie Burgess in
Athens, Georgia. After both parents passed during her early childhood, she and her siblings
were raised by her mother’s sister, the late Winnie Johnson. She was preceded in death by her
siblings, Tom, John, Eugene, Albert, Betty, and Mary.
Anna was educated in the Clarke County and Atlanta Public Schools. She would later become a
graduate of the DeKalb Technical College. Afterwards, she became a certified trainer at the
DeKalb County Service Center. She served faithfully in this position from 1985 until her
retirement in 2002.
In 1958, Anna caught the eye of Rev. Willie J Clark, who would become her husband and the
love of her life for 66 years. They were joined in Holy matrimony shortly after. To this union, ten
children were born. One daughter, Special H. Clark, preceded her in death.
After Rev. Willie J. Clark was called to his first pastorate in 1967, Anna took on the role of First
Lady Clark; a title that she proudly and productively wore for almost 50 years. As a First Lady,
Anna, faithfully supported her husband in each ministry in which he led. Her role was not
simply limited to that of a First Lady. Anna was also a trusted spiritual advisor to the ladies in
the ministry as well many other First Ladies.
Anna was very active in the lives of her children and the community. She was a den mother for
the boy scouts, a PTA board member for the school system, and an adopted mother to many of
the children in the neighborhood. She was known as the “Neighborhood Mom.”
Anna was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. As an entrepreneur, she and her husband, Rev
Clark, ran a successful and prosperous candy apple business for several years. Later, because of
her own love for home decor, she founded an interior decorating business known as Creative
Minds Design. Many homes have been and are presently decorated with items that she sold. It
was because of her drive as an entrepreneur, that many of her children started and presently
lead their own successful businesses.
Anna was well known for her stylish and unique style of dressing. She had a knack for picking
out beautiful dresses and bodacious hats. Her style caught the attention of so many First Ladies,
that she became their personal stylist for dressing. No one had to ask if she was present in a
room because she made her own statement!

Sunset

On Saturday, October 26 th , 2024 at 12:14am, God called Anna from labor to reward. As a
faithful soldier that fought mightily for the Lord on the battlefield of life, she was honorably
discharged after her final battle.
Although her earthly journey has come to an end, her great legacy shall live on through the love
of her life and devoted husband of 66 years, Rev. Willie J. Clark, Nine children, Derek B. Clark
(Tawardo), Willie A. Clark, Deborah M. Watkins, Reginald A. Clark (Renee), Frederick Clark,
Freda R. Gates (Jarvis), Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew P. Clark, and Felicia D. Clark; 14 Grand
Children; 12 Great Grand Children; Sister in Love, Brenda Burgess; Devoted Cousin, Katie; and a
host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.