Barbara Jean Clark

Barbara Jean (Fuller) Clark, 87, left this world on June 20, 2025, unencumbered by worldly concerns, and peacefully awaiting her beloved husband Larry W. Clark, Sr., to whom she was married for 67 years. Barbara leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quite strength and class, but most of all, love.

Barbara was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Robbins, Illinois when she was still young with her parents and 7 other siblings where they shared a three-bedroom house. Barbara graduated from Blue Island Community High School in 1957. Upon graduation, she worked as a waitress at a local restaurant and soon thereafter she met the love of her life, Larry, while he was crashing her friends party with his brother Mickey and their friend Alfred.

Barbara and Larry were married in 1958 and it was off to the races. They broke numerous barriers as an African-American married couple, one of which being the first African-American husband and wife to purchase a home in the State of Illinois without the assistance of any government subsidies, which ultimately resulted in the passing of the Open Occupancy Law in the State of Illinois.

Barbara was a tireless mother, wife and homemaker, and known for her generosity. She always had something for a visitor, normally in the form of a soda, candy and or snacks from her hidden stash, pocket money for those in need and even for those not in need, all the while being extremely gracious. She was known to affectionately refer to everyone regardless of their age as “Honey.”

Barbara unsparingly supported many charities including her favorites, the USO, Salvation Army and the Dr. Charles E. Gavin Foundation. She offered her time and insight based on whatever was needed. Her smile and infectious laugh, followed by her famous smirk as she would look away as well as her witty retorts made most people instantly adore her. She loved her children dearly and was their fiercest supporter in their every endeavor, rising early and staying late when it concerned school activities, athletic events, music recital, jobs, and whatever else that may have arisen.

Barbara doted on her grandchildren, and continued to refer to them as her “babies” well into adulthood. Upon hearing of his grandmother’s passing, one grandson remarked “Heaven’s got another angel,” while another grandson commented simply “one of a kind”, while a third grandson lived with her and his granddad during some vital years, no doubt having equipped him with greater opportunities for success, all of which speaks volumes to her remarkable and well lived life.

Being the ever-loving and selfless servant to the end, even right up to the night prior to her passing, Barbara tended to her husband’s discomfort. She never wavered caring for and tending to those she loved, routinely placing their needs before her own.

While it may not have always been evident, she lived a remarkable life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Charles L. Fuller and Era Fuller, brothers Charles L. Fuller, Jr., H. Louis Fuller, Paul D. Fuller, David M. Fuller, sister Jennie L. Hill, and tragically by her eldest son Larry W. Clark Jr., with whom she is now joyfully reunited.

Barbara is survived by her beloved and steady husband Larry W. Clark Sr., sister Brenda L. Payne, daughters Crystal A. Clark and Cindy M. (Clark) Lowder (Stephen), and youngest son Carlton R. Clark (Norrell), grandchildren Kyle V. Larvick, Sean R. Lowder, Joseph T. Lowder, and Sydney J. Sanders (daughter of Norrell), Aunt Mary O. Reese, Uncle William A. Brooks (Rosa), brother-in-law James D. Clark, Jr., and sister-in-law Mary Fuller. She also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held from 12:00pm-2:00pm, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Regency Mortuary, 9850 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, AZ.  A Private Repast will follow the service.