Helen Jean Clark

Helen Jean Clark (AKA Bobbie Jewel) was born on February 15, 1939 in Giddings, Texas to Henry D. Smith and Robelia Rivers Smith.  While still a little girl, Helen’s parents moved the family to Austin, so that they all could have access to better education and opportunities. 

At age 10, she joined Ebenezer Third Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. JC Lott in 1949.  She remained a member until the end of her life.

Helen attended Rosewood Elementary and Kealing Junior High. She graduated from the original L. C. Anderson High School in 1958, where she was a twirler, a member of the drill team and a proud "Yellow Jacket." 

In 1966, Helen moved to Fort Worth, Texas to be close to her father and other family members.  In Fort Worth, she worked at Bell Helicopter (an aerospace manufacturer that manufactures military rotorcraft).  She also worked at Spartan Department Store; and was a caregiver to many throughout her life.

By 1969 Helen was "home-sick" and moved back to Austin, Texas.  Shortly after, she married WC Clark in November of 1969 and they remained married for over two decades.  Although they divorced in 1995, they remained close friends until his passing earlier this year.

Helen was one of the co-founders of The Golden Nuggets, which was a social club where Mary Ward, Diane Jones, Fanny (Tittie) Houston, Dorothy Ann Rucker, and Linda Curry were also co-founders.  They were known for their service in the community, fundraisers for those in need, and celebrating life.  Paying homage to their high school, L. C. Anderson, the colors Black and Gold were chosen to represent The Golden Nuggets organization.  Additionally, Helen was involved in a Birthday Club, which included Dorothy Walker, LouNettie Banks, Leiza Dotson, and Merilyss P Johnson, all friends from L. C. Anderson High School.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; siblings -    Verna Mae Wilson, Eva Lucille Howard, Dorothy Ann Rucker, Claude Smith, Henry Smith Jr., and Samuel Lee Smith; aunts - Tero Rivers, Claudia Dockery, Henrietta Rivers, and Rubelia Rivers; uncle - Ordway Rivers; and, nephew - Charles Howard, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: numerous nieces and nephews, special cousin Nell Robinson, lifetime friend Clifton Bolden, and a host of relatives and friends.

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