Mrs. Eartha Mae “Billie” Clark, known for her kind nature, her pleasant laugh and her gentle spirit, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday evening, January 9, 2015 at the age of 82. She was the only child born to Joe and Ida Mae (Roberson) Kyles on March 19, 1932 in Atlanta, GA at Grady Memorial Hospital. Her father nicknamed her “Billie” because he had hoped for a boy when she was born. Her youth was spent in Geneva, AL before she moved with her mother to Cleveland, OH for a short while when her father relocated to Vassar, MI to establish a home and secure a job at the Eaton Foundry in the early 1940s. Eventually moving to Vassar, Mrs. Clark attended Vassar High School. It was during a walk home from the movies with a girlfriend when Billie met LeeRoy Clark who offered to give them a ride home. LeeRoy was from a large family who owned a dairy farm in Millington. After completing his chores on the weekend, he would drive to Vassar to court beautiful Billie. In addition to developing a loving relationship with Billie, LeeRoy also developed some lasting friendships with other families in Vassar, including the Harpers, Swintons, Bables, Smiths and several others. Billie and LeeRoy were married on January 26, 1951 at Fort Benning, GA where they spent time on the base as he fulfilled his second tour of duty in the Army after which time they moved to Millington and start their family which ended up being four children. Mrs. Clark was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, fishing on the river banks in Vassar and making crafts. She was happily married for 51 years before LeeRoy’s death in 2002. She loved her children, family, and community. Mrs. Clark leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Linda F. (Clyde) Childress and Charlotte A. Clark of Millington and Dr. Mary K. Clark of Belleville; two grandsons, Lamont (Petrina) Richardson of Flint and Marvin Richardson of Millington; granddaughter Nicole Roberson of Flint; two great-grandsons DeQuan McClendon and Blake Richardson and one great-granddaughter, TaJiha DePillars, all of Flint; sister-in-law Esther (Clark) Ross of Flint; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Mrs. Clark was preceded in death by her loving husband, LeeRoy, her son William Lee Clark; father and mother, Joe Kyles and Ida Mae (Roberson) Kyles. Funeral services for Mrs. Clark were held at the Hanlin Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, Brother Norman Childress will deliver the funeral massage and eulogy. The family has honored Billie’s request and cremation followed the services. Memorials may be made to the Millington Arbela Historical Society in Billie’s honor. Hanlin Funeral Home has been assisting the family with arrangements. You’re welcome to express personal condolences at hanlinfuneralhome.com