Queen Esther Clark

Queen Esther (Crane) Clark went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 12, 2014. She passed from this life at Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 years, six months and 17 days. She was born May 25, 1940 in Frederick, Oklahoma to Joe Diamond Crane and Emmer Ophelia Jackson Crane. She was one of the youngest of 14 children. Eleven preceded her in death: seven brothers - Eliza, Gentry, Paul, James, Mark, Daniel and John and five sisters - Mary, Rosie, Lillie, Martha and Ruth. Esther attended Kennedy Elementary and Boyd High schools. She joined the Church of the Living God, C.W.F.F. as a child and was a lifelong member. She loved the church and worked tirelessly for its progress and its faithfulness to its founding principles rooted in the Word of God. Sister Clark served as President of Women's Work, chairperson of the Stewardess Board, Benevolence Committee Member, Founder of the Darcious Circle that works with the young ladies of the Church, and was a member of the Matrons and the Senior Choir. She loved singing and was blessed with a beautiful voice to which she devoted only to standard gospel songs. She started singing from the front porch with her sister, Sarah, all the way to the church choir and with the young Matrons through their maturity. Esther married Acie Clark, Sr., who preceded her in death in September, 1970. They lived in Odessa and Big Springs, Texas, as well as Oklahoma City where he taught school and coached football. To this union, three children (Donald, Darrel and Acie, Jr. were born joining Esther's firstborn son, Dyke Crane, Sr. who preceded her in death in 1974. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tatiana Clark, in 1996. Esther always spent her summers in Frederick because it was the place she loved. She said she could sit on her front porch and go all around the world. Although she lived and visited other places, including California, she always came back to Frederick. Later in life, she took on the task of raising three grandchildren: April Bradford, LaDay Clark Anwuri and Jakeh Clark. She devoted her final years to their well-being. Esther enjoyed cooking. She shared recipes, fed friends and family any time of the day or night. Although her wit and humor could be sharp, she always extended hospitality and her door was always open. She was an intelligent and curious woman who could hold a conversation with anyone about anything. She liked talking politics and watched the news nonstop. Esther was trustworthy, resilient, fashionable, caring and devoted to her family, church, and community. She was concerned about the whole world. Always fearless in her defense of what she believed was right; she was steadfast in her love of God. Esther's valiant fight against cancer ended on Friday, December 12, 2014. Departing this realm and stepping into eternity, Queen Esther Crane Clark leaves to mourn her passing her sons, Darrel Clark of Chicago, IL, Donald Clark of San Bernardino, CA and Acie Clark (Sherri) of Milwaukee, her beloved sister Sarah Burns Turner of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren whom she reared: April Bradford of Oklahoma City, Ok; LaDay Anwuri (Ovi) of Oklahoma City, OK, Jakeh Clark of Wisconsin, 19 more grandchildren who adored her; eight great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; two beloved nieces and six nephews. She also leaves a devoted companion, Clarence Williams and lifelong friends, Lotie Frances Smith and Pauline Reece; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home (580) 335-2112