Barbara Herrell Beale Clark

Barbara Herrell Beale Clark of Boone, NC, died peacefully at home on July 18, 2026. She was born in Suffolk, VA on August 10, 1930, and grew up in La Crosse, VA until she moved to Raleigh, NC.

On July 1, 1951, Barbara married Arthur Ray Clark of Elizabethtown, NC. They moved to Biloxi, Mississippi where Arthur completed training at the Keesler Air Force Base. Arthur's work with GMAC took their family to Ohio, Tennessee and New Jersey. Arthur went to work for the Presbyterian Church, which moved its headquarters from New York City to Louisville, KY, where Arthur and Barbara retired. They finally settled in Boone, NC.

Barbara and Arthur enjoyed retirement with a trip to London, where the weather was surprisingly good during their visit. They also took several cruises during these years, one of which was a leisurely route along the southern islands of Alaska. Scenic drives stateside were always a great deal of fun, too. Arthur loved to drive and Barbara was the navigator.

Barbara was a loving wife and mother of two children, one grandchild, and three great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader of mystery novels who found joy in waltz music and solving crossword puzzles. She especially loved the challenge of The New York Times crosswords and always completed even the most difficult ones. The Clarks were active Presbyterians, but Barbara grew up in the United Methodist Church. Barbara enjoyed being active in the Methodist Church Circle and the bell choir. She served as a chaplain in her chapter of the Philanthropic Education Organization.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Herrell Beale and Dewbra Elaine Willis Beale; husband, Arthur Ray Clark; sister Dewbra Willis Beale. She is survived by a sister, Edith Page Beale Hartsell; daughter, Dewbra (Debbi) Clark (Ben) Richards; son, Tyler Clark; granddaughter, Kirsten (Bruce) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Jake and Brody Marinko and Kylie Anderson.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Ardmore United Methodist Church in Winston Salem in August. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to the PEO: https://www.peointernational.org/

Online condolences may be sent to the Clark family at www.hamptopnfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.