Stephanie Kay Neal Clark, 57

Stephanie Kay Neal Clark departed this life for her Heavenly home on March 23, 2023.  Stephanie was born November 26th, 1965 in Hope AR, to Ms. Norma Jean Neal (Tidwell). She was later adopted by her maternal grandparents, Garland and Sarah Neal. Stephanie gave her life to Christ at an early age when she was baptized at Garrett Chapel Baptist Church, in Hope. During her youth, she served on the junior usher board and was a member of the church’s youth choir and the Southwest District choir, where she sang alto. She later joined with Greater Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR.

Stephanie was talented in many areas. She loved watching and playing sports. She played on the Hope High School Lady Bobcats basketball team where she became a starter during her sophomore year. Stephanie was also named to the All-4-State Tournament team for two consecutive years. In high school, she was also a member of the Hope Bobcats’ track team where she threw the shot put. Stephanie was a member of the Hope High School Class of 1984 and graduated 3rd in her class with academic honors. Stephanie met the love of her life, Edward W. Clark, (Eddie Wayne) while attending Hope High.

Stephanie attended the University of Arkansas for one year and remained a lifelong Razorback fan. She later transferred to Austin Peay State University, where she repeatedly made the Academic Honor Roll. She also played softball for the Austin Peay Governors. Stephanie earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University and she earned a certificate in program management allowing her to become a certified Project Management Professional. Stephanie was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and could often be heard saying “How ‘bout them boyz?!”

Edward and Stephanie were high school sweethearts. They married on February 11th, 1985. To this union, three sons were born: Edward, Jr. (E.J.), Stephen (Steve), and Benjamin (Ben) Clark. Edward and Stephanie traveled extensively through Edward’s military deployments. Edward began his military service at Fort Campbell, KY and the couple resided in Clarksville, TN. Their next deployment was to Schweinfurt, Germany, where they spent 3 years in service to their country. The couple eventually made their home in Little Rock, AR. Because of their many military tours of duty, Stephanie developed a love for travel. Upon Edward’s honorable discharge from the military, the family continued to travel extensively. This resulted in her eventually visiting approximately 37 US states.

Stephanie loved people. She and Edward often welcomed many family members and friends into their home. Whether they were hosting holiday events, special occasions, or sheltering family to stay a bit longer, Stephanie always strived to accommodate and meet the needs of everyone. And, she succeeded!

Her love of people was also on display through her service as the treasurer for the Order of the Eastern Star, Shamrock Trinity Star # 425. In 2022, she served as the Illustrious Commandress for the Daughters of Mohammad Court #39, Oasis of Little Rock, Desert of Arkansas. Stephanie loved the women in these Orders and they became her sisters in service and in life.

For many years, Stephanie worked for Alltel Communications as their Development Marketing Manager. Alltel later became Verizon and Stephanie remained with the company as their Senior Business Analyst and Project Manager. Most recently, she was employed as the Director of Information Services in the Office of the Treasurer for the State of Arkansas.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Garland and Sarah Neal; mother and stepfather, Norma Jean Neal Tidwell and Henry N. Tidwell; and her uncle, Cornelius Neal (Infant).

Stephanie is survived by her loving husband, Edward W. Clark; their sons, Edward W. Jr., (Domica); Stephen Q. Clark; and Benjamin M. Clark. Bonus children, Roscoe Clark, Jr. (Stephanie), and Je’Lisa Phillips. Her sisters and Sisters-in-Love, Loretta Neal McGregor; Sarah D. Neal; Natasha Neal (Corinna); Latonya Tidwell; Teresa Tidwell; Barbara Holmes (Winfred); and Louise Clark Collins. Her brother and Brothers-in-Love, Garland E. Neal; James (Linda); Sammy (Laquita); Roscoe (Debra); and William Dexter Clark.

Grandchildren: Brayden Clark, Aubrey McCrary, Kinsley Brown, Cameron Bedford, Jaylen Clark, Drew Clark, Stephen Clark, Jr. Mahyla Clark, Micah Clark, Londyn Clark, Benjamin Clark, Jr., Malaya Clark, Amira Johnson, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and other dear relatives and close friends.

Visitation for Stephanie Neal-Clark will be 12-5, wake 6-7 Friday at the funeral home.  Funeral service will be 11am Saturday at Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Hope. Burial will be at Moore Cemetery in Fulton.  Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.