of Little Rock, AR
August 28, 1924 - May 18, 2017
Iris Lee Clark, 92, of Little Rock and Hot Springs, born August 28, 1924, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017 at home.
Iris was born in Glendale, Arkansas to Robert Lee and Callie Raney Rodgers. She completed school in Glendale where she was an outstanding basketball player. She worked at Ben Pearson Archery, the Pine Bluff Commercial, spent many years as a housewife; and, served at Lions' World Services for the Blind where she was a dormitory supervisor until she retired in 1994. She was selected as employee of the year in 1990.
Iris loved to garden and after her retirement, continued gardening for 20 more years at the Pulaski Garden Center at Two Rivers Park. No one could grow vegetables and flowers like Iris. Many relied on her for advice and assistance, and she gladly offered her wisdom, as well as her bounty, to fellow gardeners.
Everyone loved Iris. She served for 13 years as the door duchess at the Little Rock Bop Club. Never a dancer herself, she admired others' grace and ability. People of all ages in the dance community from throughout the region became her life-long friends. Ever ready with a quick smile and a gleam in her eye it was easy to understand why everyone had a place in their heart for her.
She is survived by her daughter, F. Lee Clark; sister, Lela Mae Culpepper of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; an infant brother; infant sister; brother, Havis N. Rodgers; sister, Retha Jewel Anderson; and her husband, Richard Morrison Clark.
Her ability to love and be generous was unequaled. No daughter ever had a finer mother.
Visitation will be held Sunday May 21, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Roller-Chenal, Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway. Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300 with memorial service following at 3 p.m. Family requests no flowers, but request memorial donations to Garvan Woodland Gardens at P.O. Box 22240, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71903. Burial will be a private ceremony.
I was thinking about Iris this morning and how I hadn't heard or talked to her in a few years. Maybe she was talking to me. I googled her name and her passing popped up. I am sad she is gone, but I know she is alright. I meet Iris when she was a young lady in her early seventies. Though you would have never known. She was an amazing gardener. She would take me and my boys to see her garden down on the river bottoms (the old penal farm turned community garden). We enjoyed talking about what she was growing. She also helped so many people in her community even some old crotchety ones. Always smiling. We had some good laughs. I will remember her fondly. Thank you
Lee, I was so saddens to read of the loss of your Mom. I had the pleasure of being in the Impatiens Garden Club with her for many years. She was such a soft spoken woman and one of the hardest working women I have ever known! I am sure God has already put her to work tending his garden! I am glad she was part of my journey and will always remember that sweet smile of hers.
Lee,
I was so sorry to hear about your precious mother and equally sorry that I was out of town and not able to attend the memorial. Please know that I have you in prayer and am hugging you from afar. I wish I could have met her but I feel like I got to know her from all the entertaining stories and just know she was a special person/mom. My heart hurts for your loss but happy you had such a loving mom in your life.
Anne Lasowski
Lee,
We were so sad to hear the news about Iris. Please know that we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Mike and Alyce
Lee - I am so sorry to her of your loss. I will be praying for comfort for you during this difficult time.
An amazing lady. So many memories you have created with her Lee. Thank you for all the pictures over the weekend celebrating her life. May the memories hold you up and bring a smile to your face.
Dear Lee,
I was so sorry to hear of Iris's passing. Although I never met her I know she was a great lady who was loved dearly. I fondly recall your "Iris stories" . Your love for her was so obvious. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. I wish you peace at this difficult time.
Sincere regards,
Stephanie
Lee, my deepest condolences to you and your family! I know how close you two were. I also remember how sweet of a person she was. My prayers are with you as you go through this major change and adjustment in your life. Remember Ms. Clark is going to always be remembered.
Iris was very special to Steven and me. She was a one of a kind, sweet, dear friend! She will be missed but I know I will see her again in heaven at a later time and that is so comforting! Love you always and forever sweet Iris!
Lee, We are so sorry for your loss and very honored to have known your dear Mother. She was such a sweet lady. She will be missed by many. Prayers for you during this very sad time.
Much love, Ginger and Johnny
Iris was a shining star with her wonderful smile and lovely warm presence
I was honored to know such a kind and sincere person
May she Rest In Peace
Walter from Firestone
Life was one great garden for Iris, who cultivated the garden of her life for the benefit of us all. We will miss her.
What a very sweet lady!
I am honored that I got the chance to know Iris and her sweet spirit through the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. Lee, so sorry for your loss
I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know Iris. Such a sweet, gentle, beautiful lady. Tommy and I will miss her smiling face.
Iris was a precious lady and loving Mother. What a blessing she was for her family and friends.
Her sweet spirit showed in everyone thing she did and everyone she knew. What a precious lady: a very special lady. I love her.
I will always remember Iris as feisty, funny and generous with her heart and humor. So sorry you have to adjust to life without her physical presence. She'll always be with us in memory and love.
With warmest sympathy,
Emily
What a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Prayers for the families.
It looks like she was a special gardener. One of family, friends, joy and love of life. I will miss her brilliant eyes, but know that she'll still be there watching, enjoying, and helping everyone.
Very saddened to learn of Iris' passing. She was a real trouper! My thoughts go out to Lee and her family during this difficult time. Hopefully, the kind words and warm memories of those around you will keep your spirits up!
One of the "youngest" older ladies we have ever known. She was always happy and smiling; always an inspiration to all who knew her. Heaven is surely rejoicing to have such a gem!
Love, Linda and Bill
Iris : AKA to us as SIR (Sweet Iris rose 🌹) Has imbedded herself into our â™¥ï¸ and souls as someone who touched our lives with honored friendship and love. While we will miss her for a while, we both look forward to embracing her sweet spirit again in Heaven! She will forever be our friend.
Love, Kermy & Lele
Special SWEET IRIS ROSE, (SIR) you brought so much joy to all who know you. I will miss your adoring smile and gracious presence. Sing and dance with the Heavenly Host.
Love, Linda Stewart Gray
My dear friend,
We did not have the pleasure of meeting you in person except through the stories of your daughter, Lee. We at the Health Department knew of you, and Lee was very proud of you, as you were of her, I am sure.
It is difficult to give up such a treasure. May your family enjoy the memories they have of you. May your reunion one day be exceptionally blessed in Christ.
I am so sorry to hear of Elsie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Reading Rev. 21:3, 4 have always brought me comfort, and hopefully will do the same for you.