Marjorie Justus Clark
A celebration of life for Marjorie Justus Clark who died July 4, 2018, will be held at the Monticello First Methodist Church fellowship hall at noon on Saturday, July 28, 2018. Mrs. Clark died suddenly on July 4, 2018 ending a life filled with so much love for family and friends, and marked by an insatiable curiosity to read and learn.
A native of Habersham County, Mrs. Clark was born January 19, 1929, the only daughter of Ruth Marie Atkins Justus and Hugh Manderville Justus (deceased) and sister to surviving brother Lloyd Justus of Homer, and brother Walter Justus who predeceased her in 2017, as well as many nieces and nephews.
“Marjorie” was the loving wife of Royce Jackson (“Jack”) Clark whom she married in 1948 after they fell in love at Piedmont College in Demorest. Mr. Clark predeceased her in August, 2014. Her beloved son Steve Clark predeceased her in January, 2015. She was “Marjorie” or “Aunt Marjorie” or “Aunt Margie” to an adoring fan club of her close daughter in law Josette Clark of Asheville, N.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.
Her loving circle of extended family and friends span her days from Atlanta, Flowery Branch, Brookton, Asheville, Jekyll Island and to her final residence in Jasper County where she created her own little garden paradise. Special recognition and appreciation is shared for Kimberly Farr of Jasper County as her lovely caregiver since 2014.
Mrs. Clark valued education and reading, and was a career librarian, being responsible for transitioning then North Georgia College’s library from the Dewey Decimal System to the Library of Congress system, a proud accomplishment for her. Wherever she lived, Marjorie was a vibrant and enthusiastic spirit, whether participating in the Audubon Bird Count, leading the nature walks or protecting the sea turtle nests on Jekyll Island or opening her home to the Christmas Tour in Asheville. She easily made friends with her warmth and kind heart and self-deprecating sense of humor. Her neighbors became extended family.
She had a special gift with children of all ages, and children were magnetically drawn to her love and open heart. She was strong in her faith, and survived a car accident in Monticello in 2014 by her determination to restore her mobility. Her experience in rehab in Monticello made her appreciate her mother’s career as a nurse all the more, and led to her desire to establish nursing scholarships at now University of North Georgia to empower young men and women to help other people as she herself had been aided. Her laughter and her often expressed appreciation of her many blessings and the beauty and wonder of God’s amazing universe will always be part of her inspirational example and legacy.
A graveside memorial service for Marjorie Justus Clark and Royce Jackson Clark will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 23, 2018 at 3 p.m. at Memorial Park, Gainesville, officiated by Reverend Nathaniel Long of Monticello First United Methodist Church. A dessert and coffee reception to continue the celebration of two beloved people will follow.
In lieu of flowers, local contributions can be made to Jasper County Library, Monticello First United Methodist Church or to the nursing scholarships to be established in honor of Mrs. Clark’s mother at University of North Georgia College of Nursing.