Donna Kay Clark

On Monday, October 10, 2022, DONNA CLARK, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 74. Born and raised in Paris, Texas, Donna was the child of Clifford and Kathryne Dowdy. Over the course of her life, she shared her talent and creativity with the world around her as a teacher, musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Clark, and survived by her two children, Wade and Ali, and her cherished grandchildren, Maylen, Hudson, Baylor, and Ford. Donna was known for her intelligence, style, wit, generosity, and a withering stare that could silence a rowdy schoolroom without uttering a word. This stare was honed to a surgical precision as a teacher at Crockett Middle School in Paris, where she met her life-long friend, Barbara Hays. Together, they used their culinary skills to open multiple successful restaurants and a thriving events and catering business. She continued to develop these skills, and after moving to Dallas, worked for the Dallas Cowboys, where she was in charge of the largest, most high-profile events at Texas Stadium. It was here where she would meet her future husband, Dave Clark. Donna was also a highly artistic woman. She loved to play the piano, and unlike many, the piano loved her back. She played with an effortless skill, and her friends and family knew that at any moment, her home could be filled with a concert-quality performance. These skills were on more public display as she served as the long-time organist for Calvary United Methodist Church in Paris. In control of the church's large pipe organ, she was regularly the musical foundation of weekly services, weddings, special events, and performances of the church choir. Donna was a tireless supporter and Board Member of the Ronald McDonald House, contributing her time, money, and creativity to projects that impacted countless families in Arkansas and beyond. Even in the days before her passing, she served as the driving force of the highly successful casino night, raising nearly $100,000 for the families of critically ill children. Most of all, Donna will be remembered and missed by her friends and family. She intensely loved and cared for her children, Ali and Wade. This love was only surpassed by her love for her grandchildren. She positively doted on Maylen, Hudson, Baylor, and Ford and cherished every picture, game, performance, and report card. She was a loyal and caring friend that brought laughter into any gathering. From her husband Dave, she learned a love of horse racing and loved to bring her friends together to watch races and have a glass of wine. She also exhibited the mental agility to support the Razorbacks when with her friends, the Longhorns with her son, and the Hurricanes with her daughter. She was a remarkable lady, who lived an extraordinary life and will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., October 22, 2022, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. Flowers or remembrances can be sent to 13801 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, Ark.,72211, or donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas. To sign the online guest book, please visit, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.chenal