Gussie Mae Clark

GUSSIE MAE JAMISON CLARK, affectionately called “Momma,”  daughter of the late Henry Jamison, Sr. and the late Rosa Ella Fogle Jamison, was born on June 21, 1929 in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.  God looked down upon this child of His, who was loved by so many, and called her to that city of eternal rest on December 27, 2017 at The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina, following a brief illness.

Momma’s education began at Lodge Hall School and ended in the 7th grade at Bull School.  During her tenure at Bull School, Momma played basketball.  Momma’s love for learning and basketball inspired her choice to repeat the 7th grade.  At an early age she accepted Christ in her life and joined Rock Hill AME Church in Vance, SC, where she attended faithfully.   During her earlier days, Momma sang in a quartet.  One of her favorite songs to sing was “I Must See Jesus for Myself One Day.”   Later in life, as Momma’s physical health began to weaken, she continued to PRESS her way to church, rarely missing a Sunday.  She was an active member of the Deaconess and Pastor Aide Boards at Rock Hill and made certain she did whatever was asked of her.

On May 4, 1949, Momma was united in holy matrimony to Johnny “Jinks” Clark, who preceded her in death in November 1964.   Their union was blessed with 10 children.  Momma was also blessed with two older daughters; one of whom, Mary Ellen Jamison Young preceded her in death.  She was also preceded in death by— one granddaughter, Alona Sherice Mays; one grandson, Saquion Andre Watson; one great-grandaughter, Princess Zoey Atalee Shaw; six brothers—Arthur Lee Jamison, Henry James Jamison, Richard Jamison, Nathaniel Jamison, Charles Jamison, and Van Irving Jamison; three sisters—Gladys Jamison Prezzy, Albertha Jamison Prezzy, and Sandra Ella Mae Jamison Johnson.

Momma was one of the many “mothers” who reared her children on Wilton Henry “Billy” Rhame, Jr. farm.  There were many families on 310 that created a close knit community.  Momma is the last of the matriarchs to be called home.   Momma was one who was loved by all and held a special place in the hearts of all those who were a part of the “Billy Rhame Farm” community.   

Her wisdom, teaching, humor and precious memories will always be cherished by seven daughters, Annie R. Weaver of Beulaville,  NC; Reverend Johnnie Mae C. Keller, Evangelist Patricia C. (James Michael) Press; Vivian C.  (Bruce) Jenkins; Sherrie C. (Alonzo) Mays, all of Holly Hill, SC; Queenester (Booker Tee) Smalls of Vance, SC; and  Beatrice C. (Willie James) Keller of Oxon Hill, MD; four sons—LD (Eula Mae) Clark; Deacon Raymond (Deaconess Gloria) Clark; Melvin (Margaret) Clark, and First Man Kenneth (Pastor Winnifa B.) Clark; all of Holly Hill, SC; two granddaughters reared as daughters in the home—First Lady Wendolyn (Pastor Wayne) Shaw of Orangeburg, SC; and Minister Sonya (Deacon Terrence) Allen of Santee, SC; one grandson reared in the home, Dwayne (Tiffany) Smalls of Sumter, SC; one son-in-law, Jimmie Young of Baltimore, MD; two sisters, Lorraine Fogle of Washington, DC; and Lois Jamison of Baltimore, MD; four sisters-in-law, Blossom Jamison of New York City, Lois Jamison and Brenda Jamison both of Baltimore, MD; and Gussie Mae Abraham Clark of Vance, SC; two brothers-in-law, Bennie Lee Prezzy, and Henry Johnson, both of Vance, SC; 39 Grandchildren, 86 Great Grandchildren; 44 Great-Great-Grandchildren; 1 Great-Great-Great-Grandchildren; one special niece, Betty Johnson (George) Pringle of Orangeburg, SC; and one special great niece, Denise Clark of Santee, SC; both whom she loved and considered as daughters; one special nephew, Mervin Prezzy of Orangeburg, SC; two special friends, Mrs. Daisy Williams of Vance, SC;  and Mrs. Bertha Shuler of Santee, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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