Mary Claudine Clark Turk

Mary Claudine Clark Turk passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She had just celebrated her 90th birthday the preceding week.


Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2011 at Union Baptist Church, Flowery Branch with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Barney Williams and Rev. Kenny Sizemore will officiate. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Little and Davenport Funeral Home.

Mary was born January 13, 1921 to the late Claud and Euzella Braselton Clark. She had resided in the Union Church community all her life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Bryson Turk. Mary was a graduate of Oakwood High School class of 1938. After a brief period during WWII working at Sears Roebuck in Atlanta, she married Bryson in 1945 and spent the remainder of her life working on their poultry and cattle farm and raising and nurturing their family. She joined Union Baptist Church in August 1939 and remained an active member until her health prevented her from attending. She served as a Sunday School and VBS teacher many years. Faithful to Sunday School, Mary and Bryson were there every Sunday with their five children.

Mary was known throughout the community as a hard worker and wonderful cook and homemaker. Her cakes and pies were legendary. She had a soft spot in her heart for all animals, especially the baby ones. She loved all nature and the outdoors was her favorite place.

Other than her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister Helen Gilleland and brothers Bronson Clark, Harland Clark, Ray Clark, and baby brother J.N Clark. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Judy and Jerry Horton, Flowery Branch; daughter Joyce Turk, Flowery Branch; son and daughter-in-law Jimmy B. and Mary Turk, Flowery Branch; son H. Jeff Turk, Flowery Branch; son and daughter-in-law G. Joel and Melissa Turk, Gainesville; sister Larue Crowe, Flowery Branch; brother and sister-in-law Curtis and Virginia Clark, Flowery Branch; brother Kenneth Clark, Flowery Branch; sister-in-law Carolyn Clark, Flowery Branch; sister-in-law Nelwyn Turk, Gainesville; and brother-in-law Elmer Wilkes of Flowery Branch.

Mary also is survived by seven special grandchildren: Scott and Donna Horton, Flowery Branch; Stacy and Ted Smith, Flowery Branch, Shelly and Chad Reece, Gainesville; Matthew Turk, Flowery Branch; Brian Turk, Flowery Branch; Josh Turk, Flowery Branch; Alan Turk, Gainesville. Three great-grandchildren brought many smiles to Mary during her final years: Ellie and Avery Smith and Bryson (Bryce) Horton all of Flowery Branch. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and other extended family also survive.

The family would like to acknowledge the special relationship between her caregiver of ten years Kay Green and many members of Kay's family, especially daughter-in-law Dee. They have been Mary's second family for many years.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions made to Union Baptist Church, 5115 Union Church Rd. Flowery Branch, GA 30542, in her memory.

Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home 355 Dawsonville Hwy Gainesville GA 30501, is in charge of arrangements.