Vertie Bell Ward Clark was born July 23, 1921 to the late Rev. O.W. Ward and Mary Otis. She departed this life on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Methodist North Hospital just 5 days shy of her 99th birthday. Vertie and Deless were united in holy matrimony on October 6, 1940. They were happily married for 73 years until his death in 2014. To this union two sons and three daughters were born nourishing their vows. One daughter, Joe Ann Smith and one son, J.L. Clark preceded her in death. Ms. Clark confessed hope in Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Alphonso Williams where she was the oldest mother and church member. Vertie leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Ceola Jones and Gloria (Raymond) Eddings; one son, Milton (Leatha) Clark. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.