Roberta Eleanor Gillespie Clark, EdD
June 30, 1938 – August 12, 2017
Roberta Eleanor Gillespie Clark, 79, of Edmond, OK, went to be with the Lord on August 12, 2017. She was born June 30, 1938 to Eleanor Bishop Hand in Oklahoma City. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated high school in Oklahoma City and continued her education at Central State University earning a BS (1967) and Masters (1969) followed by her EdD from the University of Oklahoma in 1981. She retired as Director of Special Services for Mid-Del Schools in 2001 with a total of 40 years contributing to special education. During her many years dedicated to education, she was one of the founding members the Oklahoma School Psychological Association and earned numerous awards from the State Department of Education including the Apple Award and Outstanding Director for the State of Oklahoma. She was a presenting member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Sigma chapter for 40 years and served as 1st Vice President and President. She was an active member and volunteer of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Luther Women Missionary League. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Clark and granddaughter Angela Adams. Survivors include her daughter Kathleen (Gillespie) Crose and husband Derryle of Okla. City, OK; son John Gillespie and wife Tammy of Florence, KY; son Stephen Clark and wife Wendy, Tulsa, OK; daughter Shelly (Clark) Bolin and husband Brian, Okla. City, OK; Nine grandchildren, and brother Vann Hand and wife Kathleen, Zephyehls, FL along with a host of other family and friends. Viewing will begin Sunday from noon to eight, Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S Kelley Ave., Edmond. Services will be held Tuesday August 15th at 11a.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 NW 164th Street., Edmond. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Holy Trinity Lutheran School, 308 NW 164th, Edmond, OK 73013.
You will be missed by so many.
Roberta hired me in 1980 to work as a special education teacher for Putnam City Schools. She was a wonderful and tireless leader.
Dr. Clark was dedicated, hard working and committed to doing what was best for children. She was a professional educator, an advocate for children with special needs and a devoted mother and grandmother. She will never be forgotten.
Roberta will be remembered by many. She impacted the lives of both children and teachers. She made a difference for those with disabilities. She was definitely a “go-to” for me in my years as a director. She knew everything. She had such a genteel spirit. She was kind to all.