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Reverend Ella Banks Clark


Sunrise: September 24, 1947

Sunset: October 31, 2024

Ella was born on September 24, 1947, in Carrsville, Virginia, to the late Willie and Hattie Mae Banks. She attended Camptown Elementary and Georgie Tyler High School in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. After graduating high school in 1965, Ella moved to Norfolk to attend Norfolk State University. There, she studied Mathematics. Ella desired to teach Mathematics to children,  especially in at-risk areas. Ella was persuaded that a strong mathematics or science background would nearly guarantee steady employment for, and thereby improve the lives of, underprivileged children. Ella had a unique gift of reaching out to family and friends with compassion and care. Wherever she saw a need, she found a way to help. Her legacy of helping people will live on in those who loved her.

Ella pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Epsilon Chapter, at Norfolk State University. Ella also attended church with her sister, Christine, at the New Hope Church of God in Christ, where Dr. Herman Clark, Sr. was Pastor. There, she met Vernon, the Pastor’s older son. Ella and Vernon were married in 1968. After graduation, Ella taught Mathematics in several places, including Virginia, Connecticut, North Carolina, Maryland, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Ella enjoyed teaching and often tutored students at church and throughout the community. She later earned a master’s degree from Duke University and a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union.

Despite her accomplishments, Ella considered her greatest joys were her granddaughters, Eliana and Addison. Ella traveled for years to Dallas and Chesapeake every few weeks to see her grandchildren. She adamantly continued this routine as long as her health allowed.

Ella departed this life for her heavenly home on October 31, 2024. Ella will be lovingly remembered by daughters Irrekka (Thurmon) Illiya Casey; son Roger Clark; granddaughters Eliana and Addison (Brian); sisters Christine Foreman and Ivery Knight; mother-in-law Helen H. Clark; brother-in-law Herman, Jr. (Reuthenia) Clark; and sister-in-law Phyllis (Anthony) Freeman;  uncle Curtis Rawlings; “running buddy,” Ernestine “Rhounie” Tabor, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

Celebration of Life Saturday, November 16, 2024 11:00 AM Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, Virginia

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Condolences(18)

  1. reply
    Rebecca Powell says

    My heart was sadden when someone shared the news. As a little girl growing up at new Hope, Ella and Vernon always showed nothing but love and compassion. My family didn’t have much and yet they never looked down on my family. It has always been genuine love. Ike and Illeyah, my deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family. Your mom was a class act.

    From my family to yours I send nothing but prayers of comfort and hugs. May God give your the strength you both need during this time. Love your guys

  2. reply
    Douglas and Sarah Cuffee says

    We are saddened to hear the passing of Sis. Ella B. Clark. Our prayers are sent to the family during this time of mourning. For we know where she resides now, in the sweet arms of Jesus. Be blessed Family.

  3. reply
    Vanessa A. Arnette says

    I was so saddened to hear of
    Mrs. Ella Clark’s passing. She was such a beautiful and kind soul. Before my husband ( John) passed we made so many trips up to the Richmond VA medical center, and she was so kind to us. One day she had invited me into her home, and to have lunch with two of her friends at the Cracker Barrel restaurant. I still remember how refreshing it was to enjoy a nice outing with her and her friends. Clearly, there were no questions, or stress. It’s was all about being present, and relaxing in the presence of a beautiful soul, and her friends. I will never be able to articulate the care and love that she always made me feel, and to speak about how kind she was. I learned a lot from her over the years. There were a few times that she spoke to me about the reality of being a widow. What I loved about her was that she met you at your level. It takes a genuine and special person to do that. There were also many days that she’d answer the phone when I’d call to speak to Mother Clark, there again she was so cordial, and kind. Only God knows how things can be when the phone is forever ringing. Her sweet spirit and soul lives on.
    I / we offer our sincere love, and condolences to the entire Clark Family on the passing of Mrs. Ella Clark. She will surely be missed.♥️

  4. reply
    Regina Long Southall says

    Soror Ella Banks Clark was my Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated “ Big Sister” at Norfolk State College ( now University) in 1968. She was such a kind hearted person with such a sweet spirit. I will always remember her for her outgoing personality. I met one of her relatives back in 2007 when I had my first published author book signing at the Military Circle Waldenbooks Bookstore. I do not recall the relatives name but she immediately told me she was related to Ella when she found out I was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
    Rest in heaven Soror Ella until we meet again.
    Love Your AKA Soror
    Regina Long Southall

  5. reply
    Rosita L Parham says

    To my beautiful cousin RIP. I am saddened but will see her again on the other side. My condolences to the family.

  6. reply
    Belinda Johnson says

    I am saddened with condolences to your family sent 🙏🏾
    Sorrow your loss Rev. Ella Clark
    I remember her she is so sweet and friendly and person
    She go home with Lord

  7. reply
    RICKY BUTLER Class of 1971 Maury High school says

    Mrs. Clark was my high school math teacher at Maury High School. She was the only black teacher I had in the three years I attended the school. Mrs. Clark always told, her black students to strive for more, and I did. Rest in peace Mrs. Clark for a job well done.

  8. reply
    Shawan Patterson Jackson says

    I remember fondly how sweet and joyful Ella was and was especially impressed with her calmness that she brought to what could have been a stressful meeting. Ella and her husband cool, calm and focused on intentions and resolution. Such a good spirit and very wise.

  9. reply
    Shawan Patterson Jackson says

    I remember fondly how sweet and joyful Ella was and was especially impressed with her calmness that she brought to what could have been a stressful meeting. Ella and her husband were focused on intentions and resolution. Such a good spirit and very wise.

  10. reply
    Colby Godfrey says

    We The Godfrey’s family sends our deepest sympathies to all of our Cousins for the lost of there Mother and Sisters of the sweetest person we know ,may God keep you strong in such a time like this our prayers are with you everyday.

  11. reply
    Edna Hall Graves says

    November 14, 2024 at 9:14 pm
    I express my prayers, condolences, love & deepest sympathy to the family. I met Ella Banks at Georgie Tyler High School in Windsor, VA. Ella was a very sweet and ambitious student in our graduating class of 1965. After Graduation, she went to Norfolk State University and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC with a major in Mathematics. After leaving VA after graduation, I returned home and started my career in Business. I pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in which we met again as college students and she was my “Big Sister”. I learned that she had joined New Hope Church of God in Christ in Norfolk VA and I was a long time member of Mt .Tabor Church of God in Christ in Smithfield, VA. She joined our High School Class of 1965 Girl Friends Texts. At Norfolk State, I met her husband and sister-in-laws, Phyllis and Reuthenia. All four of us pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority INC..

  12. reply
    Edna Hall Graves says

    Edna Hall Graves
    November 14, 2024 at 9:14 pm
    I express my prayers, condolences, love & deepest sympathy to the family. I met Ella Banks at Georgie Tyler High School in Windsor, VA. Ella was a very sweet and ambitious student in our graduating class of 1965. After Graduation, she went to Norfolk State University and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC with a major in Mathematics. After leaving VA after graduation, I returned home and started my career in Business. I pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in which we met again as college students and she was my “Big Sister”. I learned that she had joined New Hope Church of God in Christ in Norfolk VA and I was a long time member of Mt .Tabor Church of God in Christ in Smithfield, VA. She joined our High School Class of 1965 Girl Friends Texts. At Norfolk State, I met her husband and sister-in-laws, Phyllis and Reuthenia. All four of us pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority INC..

  13. reply
    Lisa Newell says

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

  14. reply
    Lori Wiggins says

    Ms Ella Clark was a beautiful person inside and out. She was very giving. She would often enjoy the FaceTime calls that Addison would give her and it just warmed her heart. You can hear them both singing various songs that Addie enjoyed. I send my condolences to the family and friends that loved her so.
    ❤️❤️

  15. reply
    Stacy & Ms. Wanda says

    Illiya & family,

    Thinking of you as you celebrate your Mom’s life. She will live on in your heart.

    Love,
    Stacy & Ms. Wanda

  16. reply
    Marjorie Watts Valentine says

    I offer my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes during this difficult time. I worked with Ella at Binford (Dogwood) Middle School in Richmond, VA. Ella was a stellar teacher with a warm and caring heart for others. She was indeed a servant of the Lord because she was always willing to help others. Ella’s passing is immeasurable, but so is the love she’s left behind. May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father.🌹

  17. reply
    Marjorie Watts Valentine says

    I offer my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes during this difficult time. I worked with Ella at Binford (Dogwood) Middle School in Richmond, VA. Ella was a stellar teacher with a warm and caring heart for others. She was indeed a servant of the Lord because she was always willing to help others. Ella’s passing is immeasurable, but so is the love she’s left behind. May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father.

  18. reply
    Margot Fuller says

    Sending love, sincere condolences, and prayers to the family of Ella Clark, at this time. Ella touched so many lives in the very best way. I’m grateful I had the pleasure of knowing her as both a colleague and friend at Binford Middle School in Richmond, VA. Ella will always be remembered and cherished. May you all find comfort and peace in the presence of the precious Holy Spirit.

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