Vina Cherayl Clark

Vina Cherayl Clark ("Vina Chelle") was born on February 16, 1972, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Joseph Clark and Carolyn Winton-Clark. She entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 7, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Vina attended Knoxville Central High School and later pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). She subsequently earned a Master of Science in Social Work from UTK. During her time at the university, she was a proud member of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Delta Omega, the first human services honorary society chapter in the South and the third in the United States.

Vina devoted her life to helping others through a diverse and meaningful career that included social work, case management, customer care, and education. For more than 30 years, she faithfully served her community and touched countless lives through her compassion and dedication. Her service included work with Justice Knoxville, the Ronald McNair Program, and as a GED instructor. She also served as a valued member of the Justice Knox Network and the Justice Knox Leadership Team.

Vina was a woman of unwavering faith, and her love for God was evident in the way she lived, served, and cared for others. At an early age, she professed her faith in Christ, and that faith remained the foundation of her life. As an undergraduate student, she was a founding member of InterVarsity's Collegiate Black Christian Fellowship at UTK, where she encouraged, mentored, and inspired many young women.

Driven by her passion for developing future leaders, Vina founded the Vision Casters Youth Mentoring Program, a Christ-centered initiative designed to nurture spiritual growth while building leadership, communication, goal-setting, and life success skills. During her college years and for many years thereafter, she attended Biblical House of God Church. Later in life, she attended Cokesbury Church, where she became a faithful participant in the ladies' Bible study for many years.

In 2007, God provided a remarkable blessing through a special angel, Rachelle A. Edwards, who became both Vina's kidney donor and a cherished friend. After seeing on Facebook that Vina was in need of a kidney transplant and having witnessed the impact of her service to others, Rachelle felt led by God to be tested as a donor. In what can only be described as a miracle, she proved to be a perfect match. This extraordinary gift saved Vina's life and granted her many additional years to fulfill God's purpose, bless those around her, and create treasured memories with family and friends.

Vina found joy in caring for plants, interior design, fashion, and, most of all, loving and serving God's people. Her radiant smile could light up a room, and those who experienced it knew they were witnessing a beautiful reflection of God's grace. She had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Her favorite scripture was:

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

Her favorite song was "Holy Forever" by CeCe Winans.

Vina was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn L. Winton; her father, Joseph Clark; her aunt, Jewel Y. Winton; and her grandfather, Jack B. Winton.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved grandmother, Helen L. Winton of Knoxville; her devoted sister, Melanie D. Winton of Knoxville; many beloved cousins; and a host of treasured friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love, faith, wisdom, and friendship.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, service, compassion, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24th. Receiving of friends will begin
promptly at 12 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin promptly and 1:00 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

The address is:
Unity Mortuary
1425 McCalla Ave
Knoxville, TN 37915
1-865-637-8811. FLOWER ORDER SUPPORT -888-610-8262. © Unity Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com