Our beloved Dorothy “Dot” Clark entered eternal rest on December 17, 2024. She was born April 16, 1940, in Isle of Wight County, to the late Joseph and Queenie Lewis. She was the fourth child of eleven children and the second daughter. Dorothy was affectionately called Dottie by family and friends, and in more recent years, she was called Dot.
Dot attended school in Isle of Wight County, graduating from Georgia Tyler High School in Windsor, where she had been a majorette. Dot later attended Norfolk State College (now University), obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education. Dot then began her teaching career in Richmond, VA, where she taught for several years. She continued her educational studies at Old Dominion University, earning a master’s degree in education, and continued towards her doctoral studies at the University of Virginia. She held numerous certifications in educational administration.
All of Dot’s professional career was spent in the public education system as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and consultant. Dot was also a trailblazer, becoming the first African American principal in the Great Falls, VA, school system. Dot became an educational consultant and trainer. She traveled to Japan, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States, training teachers and administrators.
Dot had many friends throughout the country. She was especially close with friends and work colleagues in Northern Virginia and the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area. Throughout the years, Dot has belonged to several charitable, educational, and civic organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as Les Gemmes Inc. She enjoyed her involvement with these organizations and volunteered on many projects.
Dot met and married the love of her life, Glen A. Clark, Sr., in the 1960’s. They had a wonderful life together as both were very sociable and loved to entertain family and friends. They often hosted parties and large gatherings at their home, including many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings. Later in her life, Dot became an animal lover. At one time, she had three dogs that she treated affectionately like her children. Whenever you saw Dot, you would know her dogs were close by.
Dot was a God-fearing woman. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Sterling, VA, for many years. After retirement, Dot moved to Chesapeake, VA, and became a member of New City Ministries Fellowship Church, where her brother, Pastor. Clayton B. Lewis presides.
Dot was predeceased by her husband, Glen A. Clark, Sr. brothers Joseph I. Lewis, Jr., Carlton T. Lewis, sister Queenie “Vickie” Lawrence, and grandson Brandon White.
Dot leaves to cherish many wonderful memories to her daughter Shelia White, Chesapeake, VA, grandson Travis Clark, Chesapeake, VA, beloved stepson Glen A. Clark, Jr. (Brenda) Atlanta, GA, grandson Brandon Clark, and a great-grandchild Bailee Clark. Three sisters: Ellen Baker, Chesapeake, VA. Alice Ashe, Suffolk, VA., and Carolyn Rawls (Melvin), Portsmouth, VA. Four brothers: Arnold Lewis, Chesapeake, VA, Dr. Alvin Lewis, Norfolk, VA. Colonel (Ret.) Calvin Lewis (Mi Sook), Columbia, SC, Reverend Clayton B. Lewis (Sharon) Portsmouth, VA, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, great nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a godmother to several of her relatives to include Paula Hines, Adriane Downs, and Dejah Rawls-Muriel.
Dot will always be remembered for her great smile, her big heart, and her generosity to everyone.
Condolences(12)-
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Charles Walker says
December 20, 2024 at 11:25 pmYou have my heart felt condolences 🙏
Diane Harris says
December 21, 2024 at 10:23 amMay God bring you comfort.
Marva Davis says
December 21, 2024 at 1:28 pmSending prayers family may God give you peace at this time.🙏❤️
W.T. Lewis, Sr. Branch Siblings says
December 21, 2024 at 8:56 pmWe mourn the passing of our cousin, Dottie—a beautiful soul—gracious, loving and kind! May the Lord extend His arms of comfort, grace and peace around the Joseph Lewis branch, and our entire family. Sincerely, Cousins Wayman (WT), Jr., Zenobia, Xavier, Denise and Vinson
Robin Knight says
December 23, 2024 at 8:22 pmTo the loving family of Dottie Clark. Dottie was always loving, kind,generous and respectful. I will continue to cherish the wonderful memories of Dottie. Family please remember God makes no mistake. No more pain. Love you Aunt Dottie. RIP.
Xavier Lewis says
December 25, 2024 at 10:42 pmI recently shared with my sister, Zenobia, that I remember back to our youth when we made our trips to Carrsville, VA from upstate New York to visit our grandfather, Walter Lewis, that I always looked forward to seeing our Uncle Joe’s and Aunt Queenie’s kids. However, I don’t know how happy they were to see me (I was the wayward kid in our family, always in trouble!) 😊
Even though we’ve all grown up and gone in different directions in life, I cherish my kindred bond with the Joseph Lewis Branch of our family. I am saddened for Cousin Dottie’s passing—remembering especially her warm smile and kind heart.
Vickie Krise Hurlbutt says
December 26, 2024 at 8:59 amI’m deeply sorry to learn of the passing of Dot. Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
Carolyn Abron-McCadden says
December 26, 2024 at 9:43 amAlice and Family,
I was saddened to learn of the death of Dot. My deepest sympathies and condolences. God is the Comforter. Trust Him.
Glen A. Clark, Jr. says
December 26, 2024 at 11:43 amSheila and Travis,
Dottie was loving and kind! We will cherish our memories of Dottie always.
With our deepest sympathy,
Glen Jr., Brenda and Brandon Clark
Eunice Matthews Daniels says
December 26, 2024 at 1:08 pmMy condolences, sorry to hear of your loss
Josephine Linyear says
December 27, 2024 at 6:16 amMy heart is so heavy at hearing of the passing of my dear college friend, Dorothy. We met as freshmen at Norfolk Division of VA State College, now Norfolk State University, in the fall of 1958. We met as Dorothy Lewis and Josephine Webb. We continued our college days and then pursued our careers in education. Although we did not see each other often, once she moved to Chesapeake, we would remember each other on our April birthdays. It will be my prayer that God’s love for her family will be their peace, hope, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Zenobia Lewis says
December 27, 2024 at 9:29 amSo sorry to hear of my dear Cousin Dottie’s passing. She left us with such wonderful memories. Her house was truly our house. Both Dot and Glenn allowed me to host 3 events at their home; my daughter Che Che graduation from Howard University, my graduation from Notre Dame University of Maryland and my going away to the Solomon Islands for the Peace Corps. She always welcome you with open arms and big smile. It really makes one feel special. My sincere condolences to her immediate family. May she rest in Peace 🕊️🕊️.