Craig Stephen Clark

Craig Stephen Clark was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 7, 1960, to Roberta Clark and James Lee who both preceded him in death. Craig completed this life’s journey on Tuesday, January 14, 2025; he was 64 years old.

God, family, and community were his top priorities. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he was an active member until he passed. At St. John Craig supported the scholarship program, taught Vacation Bible School and was always a willing worker. He was a strong believer of God’s word and always shared a message of hope in Christ by his signature phrase, “Focus on Glory.” Craig often worshipped at Pilgrim Baptist Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church. He greatly appreciated the various forms of gospel music celebrated at each church.

Craig had an undying love for his family. He identified family as those who were not only connected biologically but also those who supported and poured love into him. He was raised by his grandmother, the late Alonza Clark, along with seven cousins whom he regarded as his siblings. The Carter/Shurn family also played an integral part in his upbringing.

On July 19, 2003, Craig married the love of his life Rose Garth and they were blessed with a lifelong journey together for 25 years. He referenced her as his “Ride or Die,” through thick and thin, no matter the circumstances. It was apparent to everyone that their marriage had a strong bond that couldn’t be broken. 

Another passion of Craig’s was his devotion to his high school alma mater, LaSalle, where he graduated from in 1979. While at LaSalle, he was a member of the band.  He continued this love of music when he attended Purdue University and was a member of the Purdue Marching Band. Following graduation, Craig attended Indiana University, where he earned a Master’s of Science in Education.

Craig was not just a man of words, but he was also a man of action.  He had a vision of a Lions all class reunion and the LaSalle All Class Reunion became a reality. This served as a template for other schools within the community. He had an undying love for this 20-year tradition and his passion was greatly evidenced by the number of alumni who participated.  

Embracing the importance of community service, Craig served as a past president and also State Representative for South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo. During his tenure, he grew the SBCIBE scholarship and provided resources to area youth and others.  He was also a Big Brother with St. Joseph County Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program. He remained devoted to his little              brother, Stafun Jenkins and continued their relationship even when he aged out of the program.

Education was Craig’s calling, and he began his professional career at the South Bend Community School Corporation. He later taught at Elkhart Community Schools and ended his career at Benton Harbor Public Schools.

Providing resources to underserved populations through mentorship and volunteerism was Craig’s mission. He worked tirelessly with Positive Outlook where he provided school supplies to area youths as well as providing food for many families in the community. Income or housing status did not matter to Craig, if he knew you were hungry, he would provide food.

Craig supported many community events and was instrumental in the development and promotion of The Black Man’s Think Tank at Indiana University of South Bend. The City of South Bend recognized Craig’s commitment to community and his many achievements; they recognized him as a Black History Month Honoree in 2018.

One of Craig’s major accomplishments was becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, he was able to further address the needs of the community.

Craig had an infectious personality, and he never met a stranger. He was outgoing, and friendly. He loved to dance and was always the life of the party. In addition to dancing, Craig also loved to travel and took every opportunity to go on a road trip.

Craig leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories, his wife, Rose Clark; cousin/ siblings, Victoria Thomas, Jenifer (Lawrence) Smith, Jean (Dewayne) Woods all of Houston, Texas; Kim Clark, Clarence (Linda) Wigfall, Marvin Wigfall, Michael (Carolyn) Clark, and Shannon Clark all of South Bend; five bonus sisters, Goldie Kennedy, Jackie Keys, Chrissy Carter all of Detroit, Michigan; Karen Essett of McDonough, Georgia and Kathy (Barney) Lewis of South Bend; brother, Jeffrey (Cynthia) Carter of Tampa, Florida; bonus brothers, David (Erica) Williams of South Bend, Roderick Tolbert of  Chicago, Illinois along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relative and friends.

Along with his parents and grandmother, he was also was preceded in death by, Momma Bertha Carter; a sister, Vanessa Lee Taylor; a bonus mom, Ola Williams; bonus sisters, Sherry Carter and Kim Wilson; brothers, Al (Margaret) Carter, James Carter; brother-in-law, Michael Essett, along with six aunts, Cora Rice, Lula Pettis, Ella Mae Clark, Eleanor Clark Miller, Jeanette Clark, Ruth Clark Wigfall; four uncles, Alfred Clark Jr., Joseph Clark, Robert “Hot Dog” Clark and Clarence Clark; cousin/brother, Robert Lamon Clark and nephew, Michael Clark Jr. and his father and mother-in-law, Jake and  Christine Garth.

As we gather to celebrate Craig’s life, we will remember a man of strong faith, unwavering commitment, and immense love for family, friends and community. Craig always encouraged                    random acts of kindness. He was quick to forgive and slow to anger. In parting we say as Craig always said, Asanta Sana (thank-you very much) and remember to always, FOCUS ON GLORY

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