Betty Joyce Clark

Betty Joyce Clark, our loving mother, 70, died July 16, 2016 from Lobular breast cancer that had metastasized. Betty was first diagnosed in 2001 and had a double mastectomy the same year. At that point she thought she had beaten the big “C” but unfortunately in 2013 it returned with a vengeance! Despite going to doctors on a regular basis complaining of pain, a scan was never ordered until it was too late. Mother and her twin brother, Billy Gainey were born in Defuniak Springs, FL on December 13, 1945. After living in foster homes and an orphanage, due to the death of her parents, she moved to Samson, AL and then to Orlando where she spent her last 50 years. Betty never met a stranger she never knew and within five or ten minutes, you would think they had been friends forever. Betty was a passionate mother with strong morals which she instilled in her children and cared very much about family, friends and other individuals. She shopped regularly for clothing to give to less fortunate children. Betty is predeceased by her parents Tillery and Stella Boles Gainey (due to cancer), sister Durley Cuthriell and do to car accidents, the following loved ones: nieces Rita, Stephanie, Deborah and Lisa Ciliento, sister Shirley Burch, first husband John Dalton and daughter Shasta Giles. Betty was a loving mother and grandmother affectionately known as “Ninny” to her grand kids and their friends. She is survived by husband Bill Clark, son Mark Clark, daughter Shirl Clark, granddaughter Lisa Giles Reynolds, Turner Reynolds, grandson Johnny Giles, brothers Jim and George Gainey, great grandsons Dalton Reynolds, Grady Reynolds, James Reynolds and great granddaughter Shasta Kay Reynolds. Betty loved little children and teenagers. Her three children graduated from Winter Park High School and the Clark home was well known for hosting legendary post-graduation and homecoming gatherings. Several of the attendees (now in their 30’s) would still call and/or visit Betty telling her how their fondest memories of high school were spent at her house. They would often still recall the smell of bacon frying, with grits and homemade biscuits cooked by Mr. Clark the next morning. They would all reminisce about how Betty was a good story teller and would regale them with many stories about “Mr. Green Jeans" (an alligator who lived under the boat dock) and "Miss Snake.” Betty was best known for her love of gardening and cooking. Her yards were groomed to perfection and she loved her plants as much as she loved life. She was a fabulous cook. Her chicken and dumplings and homemade banana pudding were family and friend favorites. The Viewing will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home-Maitland Chapel on Friday, 07/22/2016 from 6pm-8pm & the funeral service will be held at Northland Church in Longwood on Saturday, 07/23/2016 at 11am-1pm. Lastly, Betty’s burial will be held at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park. Call the Clark home at 407-628-4566 with questions or the funeral home at 407-695-2273 or visit their web site DeGusipe.com. Mother was a Christian and believed that God and prayer by friends and family kept her alive to spend her last days with her loved ones. She was originally given two to six months to live. Special thanks to the friends who brought meals for our family and sent flowers and plants to brighten her last days.

Betty Joyce Clark

December 13, 1945 - July 16, 2016