Dr. Herbert Clark

Dr. Herbert Leon Clark, son of the late Rev. Otis Clark Sr. and the late Irene Mitchell Clark was born on October 20, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the sixth of thirteen children.

Dr. Clark was raised in a home grounded in faith, discipline, and deep family devotion. Growing up alongside his siblings, he learned early the values of education, responsibility, compassion, and unity—principles that shaped his life’s journey.

He accepted Christ at an early age.

Dr. Clark attended public schools in Memphis and graduated from Manassas High School. He then went on to graduate with a B.A. from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi through a vocal performance scholarship which allowed him to travel throughout the country performing with the Rust College Choir. He received his M.S. from Tennessee State University, and his Doctor of Arts from Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Clark taught history in the public schools of Columbus, Mississippi; in the public schools of Nashville, Tennessee and subsequently became a professor at American Bible College and then at Tennessee State University. He had written several historical articles and three books after his retirement in 1995.

In 1962, Dr. Clark married the late Rosa Sanders Clark and to this union were born two children; a son, Bruno (Edwena) Clark of Smyrna, Tennessee and a daughter, the late Carolyn “Renee” Clark-Cheatham.

Dr. Clark made his transition into eternity on July 3, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, four brothers; Otis Clark Jr., Thomas Clark, Arthur Clark, and Richard Clark, and five sisters; Vera Eason, Betty Davenport, Geraldine Heard, Lola Mae Clark, and Edna Clark.

He leaves to cherish his memories of a well-lived life; a son, Bruno (Edwena) Clark of Smyrna, Tennessee; three sisters, Alma Burton, Helen Clark, and Rosemary (Early) Ellis all of Memphis, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Kayla (Cassius) Cheatham-Hill, Kyndal Cheatham, Kimberly Cheatham, and Kristopher Cheatham; eight great-grandchildren, Zaria Cheatham, K. J. Cheatham, Levi Cheatham, Chloe Cheatham, Amiyah Hill, Avianna Hill, Arial Hill, Mars Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Services will be streamed on Terrell Broady Funeral Home Facebook