Katherine Branch Clark

“Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.” Thus, there is a “time to be born and a time to die.” It is within this prophetic perspective that we assemble to reflect upon the long, full life of Katherine Branch Clark, who entered eternal rest Wednesday, October 23, 2024. It was on October 16, 1927, that she was born to Cephas and Eva Jane Mason Branch. She enjoyed a special place in her family as the only daughter and the youngest of two.

Katherine met and married the love of her life, Alonza P.N. Clark, Sr. who she was married to for over 35 years until his passing on May 17, 1982. From this union, six children were born. Four girls and two boys.

Katherine was a lifetime resident of Hampton, Virginia having grown up in the quaint community of Phoebus. She attended and graduated from Phenix School (1st-12th grades) then located on the campus of Hampton Institute, now recognized as Hampton University.

At the tender age of 13, Katherine joined Zion Baptist Church. However, after moving to the Aberdeen community in Hampton, she fellowshipped at Little Zion Baptist Church on W. Queen Street with the Rev. J.W. Dodd. Eventually, she returned to her home church of Zion under the leadership of the Rev. J. Dett Marshburn and remained an active, loyal and supportive member. Prior to her illness, Katherine was actively involved in the Senior Choir, Willing Workers, Pastor’s Aide and the Women’s Ministry (Sisters of Life). She gladly for many years transported several Senior Choir members to rehearsal and home. At the time of her passing, she was the 3rd oldest member at Zion Baptist Church.

Early in her life, she was employed at the Chamberlain Hotel. She also worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at the James River Nursing Home in Newport News, Virginia and in private residences. Katherine pursued training at Madame Daniels Beauty School and worked for a brief time for Hampton City Schools as a food service worker. Her ultimate career job was employment at Bendix Corporation, later renamed Siemens Automotive, where she retired after 26 years of outstanding service and dedication on January 1, 1997 from the Fuel Components Division.

Katherine enjoyed life and her independence. Often, her little red car was seen up and down Mercury Blvd as she popped in her favorite stores! She enjoyed shopping and traveling. She cruised to the Bahamas multiple times and enjoyed trips with her family to Seattle, Illinois, Texas, Florida, New Orleans and South Carolina to name a few. Making her house a warm home was her passion. She enjoyed decorating it with pictures of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. When relaxing, she loved an iced cold Pepsi Cola or a glass of sweet iced tea and various sweet treats. She also enjoyed the company of her feline friend “KC” who often jumped onto her lap for a rub. This brought them both immense pleasure.

Strong family ties and relationships were of utmost importance to her. She counted among her blessings the accomplishments and compassion of family members. She had a strong presence at family graduations, weddings, reunions, birthday celebrations and other family gatherings. Her advice when given was thoughtful, solid, direct and useful. Indeed, her family and friends will miss her presence and her “Pearls of Wisdom” that she shared.

Katherine was predeceased by her parents, Cephas and Eva Jane Mason Branch, husband Alonza P.N. Clark, Sr., brother Bernard Branch and daughter, Kathy L. Clark. She leaves a wonderful legacy. Cherishing their memories of her, are her loving and devoted children: JoAnne C. Butler Clinton, MD, Alonza P.N. Clark Jr. (Marie) Spanaway, WA, Judy C. Jackson Hampton, VA, Michael E. Clark (Chandra) Hampton, VA and Barbara C. Taylor (Monty) Hampton, VA. Nine grandchildren; Robert Jackson Jr. (Tamla) Hampton, VA, Alonza Clark III Tacoma, WA, Jesse Jackson Suffolk, VA, Michael Clark Jr. Newport News, VA, Stephen Butler (Tierra) Clinton, MD, Chantel Buffalow (Monta) Williamsburg, VA, Courtney Taylor Largo, MD, Chanel Clark Hampton, VA and Clark Taylor (Shana) Chesterfield, VA: Seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Many thanks are extended to Heartland Hospice and caregiver Doris Armstead and Cheryl Mitchell for their unwavering compassion and care.

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