Mary Estelle Murdock Clark was born in Okolona, Mississippi on September 29, 1922 to Louis Murdock and Laura Ann Porter. Her parents and brother, Sammy Lee Gates preceded her in death.

Mary was reared by her great aunt and uncle, Effie and Lidge Nave after she relocated to East St. Louis, Illinois. It was here where she could experience a better life. She graduated from Lincoln Senior High School. She also attended Southern Illinois University.

After her relocation to East St . Louis, her life took shape at an early age when she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at Colas Temple Church of God in Christ. She later united with Pilgrim Baptist Church under in pastorate of the late Reverend Joshua Williams.

At Pilgrim Baptist Church, she served faithfully in many capacities until her heath deteriorated. Her service for a time included church clerk, member of the Ushers and Health Ministry, choir and Mission Ministry.

She met the love of her life, Rance Clark. They were joined in holy matrimony and were soul mates for nearly 50 years until his death.

In addition to serving her family and church, Mary worked for many years as a seamstress in the garment industry at Frazier Dress Manufacturing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mary was a sweet, fun loving person who loved people. Therefore, it was no surprise when she founded the Wahanies Benefit Social Club. She suggested this name after a vacation in Hawaii!! Hawaii was only one of the many places of her travels. Along with traveling, she also enjoyed reading and cooking delicious meals.

Mary's life exemplified love for others. Her smile was infectious and would light up the room. She had a magnetic personality which drew people to her. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

She departed this life on February 19, 2018 at Caseyville Rehabilitation Center.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her loving and devoted daughter, Precella and loving and caring, "son"-in-law, Gary Richardson of Columbia, SC; 3 grandchildren, Paris Richardson of El Paso, TX, Vanessa Richardson of Forestville, MD and Tiffani Richardson of Columbia, SC; one great-granddaughter, Kennedi Knotts of Forestville, MD; devoted god daughter, Barbara Jones; dear sister in Christ, Gloria Haley; loving friends, Delores Kerney, Katie Brooks and Annie Jones; and a host of cousins and friends.