Jean Bidelspach Clark

Jean Bidelspach Clark died in Sulphur Springs, Texas, on May 29, 2016. Her family will celebrate her life at a chapel service at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, June 5, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Jean, the second daughter of Doctor Walter and Louise Bidelspach, was born November 13, 1926, in Waco, Texas. She graduated from Waco High School in 1943 and remained very close with her high school friends over the years via the numerous class reunion weekends. Many of her classmates attended her 50th wedding anniversary dinner. Among her high school activities were the National Honor Society and working at the USO during World War II. After her father’s premature death in 1941, the surviving family was supported greatly by their close friends in the ensuing years. In 1946, Jean graduated from Baylor University with an English degree. She was a teacher for WISD including a number of years at Crestview Elementary. Jean always enjoyed the moments when --years later-- former students would recognize her and strike up a chat. In 1955, Jean married Lawson Clark in Waco where they raised two children, Deborah and George. Over the years, they attended both Austin Avenue Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church. Lawson and Jean remained in Waco over the next 54 years until Lawson’s death on January 13, 2009. In her last years, Jean resided first in Dallas and then Sulphur Springs to be near her children. Jean possessed both a very keen sense of humor as well as an upbeat personality. She had a gentle way with children. Throughout her life, her ministry was in helping those less blessed. She both gave and received grace while coming to rely on the Lord. She also had a very special place in her heart for her nephew, Bill Haile. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lawson Clark, and her sister, Dorothy Haile. Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Clark Buford and husband, Bobby; grandchildren, Laura Hartin Weathers and Erich Hartin; her son, George Lawson Clark and wife, Tracy Nelson Clark, as well as grandchildren, Audrey and Nate Clark. Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice of Sulphur Springs, Texas, 301 Gilmer St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482, who worked tirelessly to keep Jean’s last days secure and comfortable. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www. WHBfamily.com.