Wilma Elizabeth Clark

Wilma Elizabeth Clark, known for her outgoing personality and youthful spirit, passed away peacefully in her home on March 6, 2023, at the age of 91. Wilma’s mind and spirit remained sharp until her final breath. 

Wilma was born on July 1, 1931, in Hagerstown, MD to parents Edward Roland Keyser and Ora Janette Slifer. She grew up in a close-knit family and had one brother, Harold Keyser. 

She married her high school sweetheart Richard Vaughn Clark and they had three beautiful sons together, Richard “Bucky" Vaughn Clark II, David “Davey” Wayne Clark and Dale Allen Clark. She is preceded in death by her first husband, her parents, her brother and two of her sons, Bucky and Davey. She spoke of her dearly departed sons often and with great pride.

Despite the incredible loss of two of her children, Wilma remained optimistic and hopeful. She was a believer in the power of positivity and was always quick to find the silver lining in any situation. Her resilience and strength of spirit were a testament to her character. She had a strong and abiding faith that sustained her throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of Church of the Brethren and found great comfort and strength in prayer. Wilma's faith was a cornerstone of her life and she drew upon it during times of hardship and adversity. Her belief in a higher power gave her a sense of purpose and meaning.

Wilma's surviving son, Dale, was a constant source of love and support for her during her later years. Wilma spoke of Dale with great pride and affection. As her health continued to decline, Dale’s support brought great comfort to Wilma. Dale’s wife, Judy, also cared for Wilma later in life and was a close friend and companion to Wilma. Her family provided her with the love and support she needed to face each day with strength and dignity.

Wilma was a woman who lived life to the fullest. Her enthusiasm and joy for living were evident in everything she did. Wilma was always up for a challenge and loved trying new things. She had a passion for adventure and was never afraid to take risks. She loved exploring new places and making new friends. She lived life with no regrets. Her free-spirited attitude and youthful spirit inspired those around her to live life to the fullest and never let age hold them back. She loved to have fun and be busy, always planning her next adventure and never missing an opportunity to explore the world around her.

For Wilma, family was her greatest accomplishment. Photos of her family which she proudly displayed in her home were her most cherished treasure. She was a loving grandmother to four grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mamo” — Richard Vaughn Clark III and wife Angie; Wendy Sue Todd; Melanie Nicole Heurich and husband Shiloh; and Zachary Allen Clark and wife Melissa. She had eight great-grandchildren — Richard Vaughn Clark IV and wife Dana; Brady Allen Clark; Brittany Elliott; Zachary Allen Clark Jr.; Haydon Allen Clark; Dax Alexander Heurich; Taj Sebastian Heurich; and Zay Amadeus Heurich. She had two great-great-grandchildren — Maverick Ray Clark and Braelynn Elliott. She was always excited to see them and enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible.

After completing her education, Wilma pursued a career as a fashion buyer and later worked as a secretary, where she met her companion of 30 years, Allen Joseph “Joe” Place. Wilma and Joe had a shared love for the beach, travel and spending time with friends at their beach home in Daytona, Florida. Together they made many unforgettable memories. Wilma always remained young at heart and will continue to live on in the hearts of her family that she held dear. 

She had a natural gift for striking up a conversation with anyone and making them feel like they had known her for years. Her warmth and welcoming nature made her beloved by all who knew her, and she could easily light up any room with her presence. Her kind-hearted spirit and genuine nature was one of her greatest gifts.

Wilma's family and friends will always remember her as a friendly, fiercely independent, straight shooter; a firecracker with an infectious energy. She was strong-willed, energetic, fun-loving and so very loved. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. May she rest in peace.