Sharon Lillian Suzanne Clark

Our mother, Sharon Lillian Suzanne Clark (nee Darrell) was born to Amice and John Darrell on the 6th day of May, 1936 in Bermuda. Sharon had one brother, John, who predeceased her in 1972. Sharon was part of a very close extended family with many cousins, who were like brothers and sisters to her. Her large “family” played together, worshipped together and shared many special times together on Cedar Hill in Warwick, Bermuda where the family homestead was located. As a young child, Sharon was very active in church and in Girl Guides. These organizations planted “seeds” in Sharon’s life that would encourage her to serve and volunteer in community and civic organizations throughout her entire life. Although mom was not an American citizen, she took pride in the positive changes that she had witnessed in her lifetime. She attended presidential rallies and was always able to converse about current events, and had opinions about them. Sharon married Hubert Clark in July 1962. Hubert was stationed at Kindley A.F.B. in Bermuda, when he met Sharon. He predeceased her in November 2003. Together they raised four children, Suzanne, Warren, Sandy and Juanita. Sharon enjoyed being a military spouse, particularly the opportunity to travel to distant places. She often recanted stories about their assignment in Guam at Anderson A.F.B. There, Sharon was very active in Girl Scouts, the Base Chapel Ministries, and the N.C.O Wives Club. In addition, she loved the ocean there, as it reminded her of her birthplace and home in Bermuda, where she enjoyed snorkeling and shell collecting. Wherever she traveled with the family, Mom “took” a bit of her birthplace, Bermuda with her. At holiday meals there was always cassava pie, and of course for breakfast codfish and potatoes. Mom was proud to be Bermudian and she even wore a gold Bermuda long tail bird charm on a chain to demonstrate her love for her island home. Sharon was very proud of her children. As our mother, she loved us unconditionally; she was always there to support us, and to guide us. As we became adults she had both a hands-on and hands-off approach. We appreciated that of our mother. She felt that our ultimate life choices were up to us; nevertheless she prayed for us always in our decision-making. Her devotion to prayer and trust in the Lord will be a legacy that she leaves with us. Sharon had seven grandchildren, Nicole, Reem, Kendall, Hana, Christian, Christina and Yusef. She loved each of them dearly and was proud of them and the positive directions that they were taking in their lives; their attention to their academic studies, their spirituality and their personal growth. Sharon was also very proud of her daughter-in-law Crystal and her son-in-law Bushara, who provided good homes for their respective families. Sharon was a homemaker whilst her husband was in the military, but began a career in retail sales when her children entered their teens. Sharon worked at the Hecht Company (now Macy’s) Department Stores in Marlow Heights, MD for twenty years; there she worked as manager of the shoe department, which she did skillfully and with deep dedication until her retirement. Following her retirement from the Hecht Company Sharon reinvigorated her love for travel, as her children had finished university. Sharon traveled to many parts of the world with friends and family, by plane and cruising. Many of her trips were taken with her longtime friend, Dorothea Butterfield of Bermuda. Mom traveled all over the world; all over Europe, Australia, Dubai, Alaska, China, Barbados, the Bahamas, Guam, Saipan, Morocco, Portugal and Hawaii. Sharon also enjoyed her local retreat Masanutten Resort, in Virginia where she shared many memorable moments with her family, and special cousin, Joan Weldon. In the nearly forty years that Sharon lived in Fort Washington, she hosted in her home, many students, and family members from Bermuda and beyond. She was known for her runs to the airport and took pleasure in driving people back and forth. She loved her home and the culture that the Washington area had to offer and she wanted to show it off to her visitors. Sharon’s community and service work was carried out through the Andrews Air Force Base Chapel Ministries; with them Mom for many years volunteered at S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat); she enjoyed going into downtown Washington, DC to serve food to the needy. Mom’s involvement in Chapel life also gave time for her to practice her love of singing. Mom was a faithful member of the chapel choir for many years. In that church ministry, she maintained many special relationships and friendships. Sharon was also very active in community organizations and the philanthropic activities these organizations supported. She was an active member of the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women). She was a member of the local chapter of AARP and a member of the M.A.C. (Mature Adult’s Club). In the M.A.C. club Sharon enjoyed participating in cultural and social outings with other retired people. Mom was very thankful for her neighbor, Dorothy Barbosa who she accompanied her to many M.A.C. club meetings and outings. Through the years Mom volunteered for many things, but one of her most memorable activities was during the 1990’s when she was able to address White House Christmas Cards. Sharon was a vivacious, kind, and strong person. She was active all her life. For many years after her retirement she walked daily, participated in many exercise classes, Pilates, yoga and strength training. She was committed to her health, nutrition and well-being even before she had any health challenges. Our mother was able to travel to her second home, Bermuda in June 2015. She traveled there with her son, Warren, to visit family and friends. On that trip Mom didn’t swim, but she was so happy to be able to dip her feet in the beautiful water at Warwick, Long Bay. That trip gave Mom the energy and focus that she would need for the last bout of medical challenges that she faced. Each hurdle that confronted her, she faced with courage, strength, and faith that God would see her through each challenge. Our beautiful mother, grandmother, godmother, cousin, friend and neighbor will be sorely missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sharon Lillian Suzanne Clark please visit our Sympathy Store.