Grace Elizabeth Clark's Obituary
Grace Elizabeth Fanning Clark (92) died peacefully on Monday afternoon, October 23, 2017 in her home surrounded by her children and loved ones. She was born September 18, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY to William and Rebecca (Saulper) Fanning. She grew up in Brooklyn and was one of 14 children. She traded city life for the swamps and outhouses in Florida when she married in 1949. She worked at a clothing factory most of her life and when she retired she went to work at Publix for 20 years. One word to describe Grace would be “survivor”. In her lifetime she was bitten by a water moccasin and never received medical care, mauled by a bobcat, and survived several serious car accidents. She lost her second child during child birth and was told she would never be able to have any more children. Two years later she had surgery to remove a tumor which ended up being another baby. The doctor told her she should end the pregnancy because the baby would never survive, but she chose life instead. She became pregnant yet again with a set of twin boys who came six weeks early because she suffered a major heart attack. Years later she suffered another major heart attack and has been living with only 20% heart function for the past 23 years. Grace accepted Jesus Christ as her savior in 1973, and that was most evidenced in her life with her big heart and her willingness to always take in others in need. She has been called Mom, Nana, Lady Bug, Spit Fire, Gracie, and Queen Bee. She is survived by her 4 children, Elizabeth, Rebecca (Paul), John (Kathy), and Bill (Brenda), 7 grandchildren, Rick (Chrissy), Steven (Julie), Shelley (Stephen), Brianne (Ronald), Jenifer, Joy (Jackson), and Jane (Alex), 16 great grandchildren, Amelia, Macey, Jackson, Mattie, Noah, Jonas, Phoebe, Ellie, Travis, Jonathan, Riley, Joel, Hannah, Catherine, Samuel, and Seth, and 1 great great grandson, Malin. She is also survived by a sister in law and several nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved and she loved us deeply.
The graveside service will be held Friday, October 27 at 11am at East Elfers Cemetery, 7128 Bailie Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34653.
Miss Me, But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared;
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds;
Miss Me But Let me Go!
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?
