PLEASE NOTICE THE CHANGE BELOW TO A JOINT-FUNERAL FOR MR. AND MRS. CLARK.
Mrs. Shirley June Chambers Clark, age 83, of Richmond, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by the home, family, and love she spent a lifetime nurturing.
Born June 3, 1943, in Lee County, Kentucky, Shirley is the daughter of the late Joseph and Roxia Lutes Chambers. Her life was one of faith, devotion, creativity, service, and an extraordinary love for her family. She embodied the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman: "She is clothed with strength and dignity." Shirley loved deeply, worked diligently, gave generously, and used the gifts God gave her to care for and encourage others. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was reflected in the way she lived and loved. She was a faithful member of Union City Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for infants. Caring for the smallest members of her church family was a natural extension of the tenderness and patience that characterized her life. Shirley was also a gifted seamstress and shared her talents by teaching sewing through 4-H, passing along not only a practical skill but also the patience, creativity, and pride that come from making something with one's own hands. Whether she was sewing, cooking for those she loved, tending a garden, arranging her flowers, decorating her home, or transforming something ordinary into something beautiful, Shirley saw possibility where others might not. Her hands were rarely idle, and the beauty she created was an expression of the love she carried within her. Her greatest devotion, however, was to her family.
On July 27, 1959, Shirley united in marriage to Paul Thomas Clark, who survives. Shirley passed away just one day before their 67th wedding anniversary which is a wonderful testament to enduring love, commitment, perseverance, and a lifetime-built side by side.
Five days after Shirley's passing, July 31, 2026, her beloved husband, Paul, followed her in death.
Shirley is survived by one son, Paul Shannon (& Tina) Clark of Richmond; two daughters, Carolyn Jean Clark (& Jerry) Spegal of Falmouth and Molly Clark Bowen of Richmond; eight grandchildren, Jerry (& Wendy) Spegal, Daniel Clark, Jeffrey Clark, Elizabeth Richardson, Cindy Spegal, Ashley Robinson, Charles Clark, and Malachi Bowen; her step-granddaughter, Jennifer Underwood; eight great-grandchildren, Clayton Richardson, Trinity Clark, Case Clark, Wyatt Clark, Anna Grace Robinson, Jensen Robinson, Jocelyn Richie, and Maylee Richie; two great-great-grandchildren, Diana Richardson and Dallas Richardson; her sister-in-law: Anna Clark McGuire, several nieces and nephews and her precious church friends.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by their son, Michael Clark and her great-granddaughter, Britney Richardson. She was the last of her siblings to pass, including her two brothers, Charles Chambers and Joseph Chambers, and five sisters, Madeline Childers, Margie Aldridge, Laura Williams, Jean Tipton, and Ella Mayes.
Those who knew Shirley will remember the things she made, the meals she prepared, the flowers she tended, and the countless ways she cared for others. But most of all, they will remember how she made people feel loved.
Her life leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years. It lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; in the skills she taught; in the faith she shared; in the home she created; and in the generations who learned from her example. Shirley was deeply loved, and hers was truly a life of faith, a life of service, and a life spent creating beauty from ashes.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." - Proverbs 31:28
A Joint-Visitation for Paul and Shirley will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home with Dr. Michael Barnes officiating.
Private burial will be in Madison County Memorial Gardens.
