JoAnn Judith Clause Clark

JoAnn Judith Clause Clark JoAnn finally succumbed to her chronic illnesses on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Born July 27, 1939 in New Orleans where she resided in the Ninth Ward near her immediate and extended family until 1967. A 1957 graduation from Frances T. Nicholls was followed by a marriage to Frederick Clark Jr. on December 7, 1957. JoAnn and Freddie lived in Galveston, Texas while Freddie served in the Coast Guard and where daughter Donna was born in 1958. After returning home to New Orleans, JoAnn and Freddie had Freddie the third in 1961 and Robbie in 1965. The family moved to Meraux in 1967 where the Frances Place subdivision provided a great place to raise a family. The mothers were all everyone’s mom and Mama Jo will be missed by this group, but I know she and Mama Bertha are winners on every pull at heaven’s lucky slot machines. JoAnn worked in the St. Bernard Clerk of Court’s office until she retired to help take of the grandchildren she adored. She loved shopping for herself and others and eating out but she did get bored once those grandsons entered school. She went back to school to earn a cosmetology license to do sculptured nails. She conducted the nail business at her kitchen table where she made new friends, entertained old friends, and earned the extra money that she “needed” for her favorite hobby—the casinos and their never ending buffets. Like many others, Katrina chased the Clarks away and JoAnn and Freddie reestablished their welcoming home in Mandeville. Her 79 years were full; the fun and happy times outweighed the sad ones. JoAnn was preceded in death by husband Frederick W. Clark Jr., parents Wilbert Clause Sr. and Anna May Hadley Clause; parents-in-law Carmen and Frederick Clark Sr.; sister Phyllis Clause Constantine; and beloved grandson Robert “Robbie” Clark Jr. JoAnn is survived by daughter Donna Clark (Mary), sons Frederick “Freddie” Clark III and Robert “Robbie” Clark Sr. (Nicole); grandson Wesley Ruffino; and step grandchildren Jace, Cedric, Victoria (Ashley). In addition she leaves behind siblings Wilbert and Carol Clause, Connie and Russell Constantine, P.J. and Donna Clause as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and her beloved doggie, Sassy. Days before she died, she was happy to hear from grandson Wesley that she would soon become a great-grandmother. The family would like to thank the caring providers from St. Joseph Hospice and the staff of Summerfield Senior Living of Hammond, who provided compassionate services to our parents and family. PONCHATOULA, LA: Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation in the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. until the Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow in the funeral home’s Magnolia Room. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Heart Association or CrescentCare Health Center. At a time to be announced at a later date, the interment of Joann’s and Freddie’s ashes will be held in St. Bernard.

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JoAnn Judith Clause Clark

July 27, 1939 - December 19, 2018