Mercedes Anne Clark

Mercedes A. Clark of Charleston, S.C. entered eternal rest on July 4, 2015, at age 98. The relatives and friends of Mercedes A. Clark are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 89 Hasell Street, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. The family will receive friends Monday evening between 5:00 & 7:00 PM, with a 6:30 Vigil Service, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy, Charleston. Condolences may be made to her guest book on our website at www.charlestonfunerals.com. She has been a resident of Charleston since 1951. Mrs. Clark is survived by her four children: sons, Ephraim and wife Maria, Michael and wife Julie; daughters Catherine de Liesseline and Christine Renfro; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mercedes was born on November 29, 1916 and raised in a small town near Chicago, Illinois. She attended elementary school in Steger, Illinois and Alvernia High School in Chicago through the 12th grade. She then entered the work force and eventually rose to the rank of PA for the CEO of a major trading company. In 1941 she married her life-long love and soul mate, Ephraim, and participated actively in the home front war effort with one short break in 1943 to have her first child. At the war's end she retired from professional life to become a devoted wife and loving mother. As such, she followed her children closely and became an active participant in school activities and the PTA at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and Bishop England High School. She was also one of the original "soccer moms" ferrying her offspring to and from the various playgrounds around Charleston and St Andrews Parish for games and tournaments of Little League Baseball and Pop Warner football. As her children matured Mercedes became more involved in her husband's professional life at Gas Engine and Electric Co. where she organized meetings and international travel for dealers and clients. She devoted her last years to caring for her husband, managing the homestead and mentoring nieces, nephews, children and friends. She was a great mother, wonderful wife and faithful friend who will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. In Lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Mary's Restoration Fund 89 Hasell St. Charleston, SC 29401 or to any charity of your choice that provides for the hungry. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. 766-1365.