By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, April 11, 2025

    9:00 am to 11:00 am

    Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Friday, April 11, 2025

    11:00 am

    Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Mary Louise Clark, 75, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

    She was born on May 27, 1949, in Clay County, MS, to John Bluitt (Hoot) and Pearline Spates.  On November 13, 1965, she married James Otis Clark in Maben, MS. They moved to Lebanon, IL and raised their family.

    Louise was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  She touched the lives of many. She was an honor student at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and a graduate of Greenville Illinois College, with a Bachelor of Science in Organization Leadership.  Louise was a Christian and a member of the Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL.  She served faithfully through the years in various auxiliaries as Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, President and Choir Director, Trustee, Church Clerk, Youth Director, Outreach, Hospitality, Drama Coordinator, Secretary and Vacation Bible School Director.  Under her leadership the Greater Mt. Olive Mission, and the Youth Department began reorganizing with the Young Matrons, the Red Circles, Drill Teams, Praise Team, Tabs, Cavaliers and Sunshine Band.  Louise worked in several community and civic organizations, the task focused emphasis on the need to improve and empower the lives of our youth and adults in the community:  Home Health Care, Head Start group leader, Boy Scout/Girl Scout Den Leader, Lebanon Resource Center as bookkeeper and treasurer, Lebanon Matthew Ministry, a community care coalition that helps feed the hungry and assist with utility bills.

    As God expanded her territory, she served under two New Salem Baptist District Association, Inc. Woman’s Auxiliary Presidents serving as secretary and Vice President.  She also served as President for the New Salem Baptist District Association, Inc. Woman’s Auxiliary.  Louise also served under five Baptist General State Convention Woman’s Auxiliary Presidents and served as 3rd Vice President.  More recently, she was the historian for the Baptist General Convention for Illinois. Louise also worked as a Legal Notice Reporter for the O’Fallon Progress newspaper for over 10 years.

    She was preceded in death by her mother, Pearline Spates; father, John Bluitt (Hoot); stepmother, Oneida Bluitt; sister Bessie Malloy; and son, Warren Clark.

    Louise is survived by her loving husband James Otis Clark, Lebanon, IL; son, James Patrick (Belinda)  Clark, Belleville, IL; daughter, Yolanda McDuffie, Lebanon, IL; son, Jerel (Stephanie), Clark, Belleville, IL; daughter, Valerie Clark, Lebanon, IL; siblings, Bobby (Doris) Bluitt, Columbus, MS, Betty Bluitt, Clarkdale, MS, Helen Nunn, Wentzville, MO, Thomas (Jenny) Bluitt, Maben, MS; 16 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends.

    Floral arrangements are being handled by Steven Mueller Florist, 618-632-4027

    Visitation:  Friday, April 11, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

    Service:  Friday, April 11, 2025, 11:00 am, at Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

    Clergy:  Rev. Dr. W. J. Griffin

    Interment:  College Hill, Lebanon, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

10 Condolences
 
  1. Debbie Pratt / April 8, 2025 at 3:17 pm

    My condolences to this family that I’ve known for many years and sorry for your loss and just know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!

  2. Julie Nunn Chavis / April 8, 2025 at 4:51 pm

    To our dear family friends we are so sorry for loss of your lovely mother.

  3. Marilyn Coutee / April 9, 2025 at 10:53 am

    My Dear beautiful friend,
    How I’m going to miss you. I thank God that he allowed our paths to cross through BGSC of IL. We became good friends for almost 20 years. Lou, when I think of you I smile. We laughed so much when we were together and I can say do you remember and break out in a hearty laugh. I’ve spoken to your beautiful daughter Yolanda and she brought joy to my soul. My dear friend I will miss our conversations, I will miss you. Thank you for letting your light so shine. You made my world so much brighter. Remembering you always, take your rest.
    Marilyn

  4. Connie Pritchett-Baker / April 9, 2025 at 12:02 pm

    There are no words that can say how my family and I feel with the loss of Sister Louise. She was loved, admired, and truly blessed as a woman of God. She taught me the spiritual growth in His word. She taught me to work hard and keep moving. I know she is on the right hand of God; still working. 🥰 I pray for the family that God keeps you uplifted. Love you all! 🙏🏾.
    Connie Pritchett-Baker and Family

  5. Cheryl A Burns Gray / April 10, 2025 at 8:54 am

    My condolences and prayers for her family. She was a wonderful friend!

  6. Chinita Mandley / April 11, 2025 at 6:16 am

    My heart is excited, because I know Ms. Clark is seated at the table getting full in the glory of the Lord. In the same breath my heart is saddened no being able to have our monthly chats. Our last physical conversation ended in prayer, praise, tears, and laughter as I will always remember her. She took me in as a daughter and I took her in as a mother and I am going to miss her so very much. The seeds Ms Clark planted in me as well as many other women will continue to grow forever and ever, though her physical body is no longer here her legacy will live forever. Due to so many death in my own family I am unable to be there with you all. We the Family of Charles Mandley send our deepest heartfelt condolences, prayers and sympathy to you all, We love you all and will continue to pray for your strength to endure. As she said to me “ I have lived in the goodness of God in the land of the living and what He has and Can Do, and I am good I am satisfied with whatever He says either way.” Love and Knowledge is what I will always remember about you and I will continue to hold Up the Blood Stain Banner as you’ve taught me to do.

  7. Kelly aWilhelm / April 11, 2025 at 10:58 am

    My heart felt condolences to her family and friends. I will greatly miss my sister in Christ until we see her again in Glory.

  8. Robin Nurie / April 11, 2025 at 2:05 pm

    Mrs Clark was the kindest person I ever meet she listen to me for hours (mostly in tears )Her words gave me strength she would always check on me she had the most beautiful soul and she was family to me someone who I never felt judgment from only love an angel ,she encouraged me to become a nurse I thank god for her time with me. I will miss you forever 🥹sorry I couldn’t be there

  9. Robin Nurie / April 11, 2025 at 2:15 pm

    Mrs Clark was the kindest person I ever meet she listen to me for hours (mostly in tears )she always check on me she had the most beautiful soul and she was family someone who I never felt judgment from only love an angel ,she encouraged to become a nurse I thank god for her time with me. I will miss you forever 🥹sorry I couldn’t be there

  10. Demetrius price / April 11, 2025 at 5:17 pm

    Mrs Clark and her husband Ottis have always been super nice to me and my family. I’m glad I had a chance to help them out by plowing their garden the last couple years.
    I will miss seeing her sitting out in the garden when I drive by . Sad

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