Wilma Marie (Mitchell) Clark

The Lord called home Wilma Marie Mitchell Clark, 91, of Toledo at 6:00 PM, Friday, April 2, 2021. With the help of her husband, family, and Amy Boswell, mom got her final wish to pass peacefully at home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 PM Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Toledo United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM til service time. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Wilma was born on April 20, 1929 to Walter and Iva Mitchell of Greenup, Illinois. At the age of three, she tragically lost her mother to Tuberculosis. As a result, Wilma was separated from her brother (Charles W. “Bud” Mitchell) and sister (Kathleen “Kack” Easton) as they went to live with their father’s family in Greenup, and she went to live with her Aunt Elva and Uncle Launce Conrad in Toledo. During these times, it was just too much for the family to take on three mouths to feed. Kack, Bud, and Wilma remained close despite being raised in different homes. On December 11, 1948, Wilma married her high school sweetheart, Lewis H. Clark, Jr. and they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this past year. Wilma worked at the Rainbow Café during high school and then after graduation worked for Vera Niccum in the Cumberland County Nurses Office administering vaccinations for Toledo, Greenup, and Neoga Schools. She loved her job, and the kids loved her. Even many years later, people would still remember her gentleness with them during the vaccine. Wilma also was the epitome of a farm-wife taking meals to the farm for her husband, running him from field to field, and keeping supper warm until late hours in the night. Upon the birth of their daughter, Jill, Wilma became a stay-at-home mother. She enjoyed every stage of life and truly loved making everyone feel special and important. She enjoyed her “coffee clutch” at the Fillin’ Station for many years until her health would not allow her the pleasure. She and her dearest friends would often say “Growing old, ain’t for sissies”. She proved she was not a sissy with her courageous battle against colon cancer, a broken hip, and other medical issues. Wilma is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Jill (Ron) Mathenia, grandchildren Reilly Mathenia, Reid Mathenia, Jill (Josh) Frederick, and Jeremy (Jessica) Mathenia. Great-Grandchildren: Siena Mathenia, Logan Frederick, Rhett Mathenia, Grayson Mathenia, and Layla Mathenia. Sister: Kathleen “Kack” Easton and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her foster parents Aunt Elva and Uncle Launce Conrad and brother Charles W. “Bud” Mitchell.

Wilma was a member of the Domestic Science Club, Red Hat Sally Club, Cumberland County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Mattoon Moose Lodge, and the Cumberland County Home Extension Mailbox Member. Wilma will be forever loved and missed by her family and her abundance of Friends. “All I really ever needed was you, your love, and your presence to make my life complete”. Until we meet again, “Love you more” mom.

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Toledo United Methodist Church, the Backpack Ministry, or the Toledo Area Ambulance. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

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