Jean Clark

Jean (McAlpin) Clark passed away peacefully in her home on January 18, 2020.

She was born on July 12, 1931 in Cullman County Alabama and grew up in Weslaco, Texas with her 7 siblings.  After High School, she was a Flight Attendant for Continental Airlines stationed in Colorado until getting married.

She became a mother and raised five very strong-willed and independent children.  Throughout their lives, she was their biggest fan!

Jean was a stay at home domestician who chose not to work outside of the home until her youngest was 13.  She then started a career as an administrative assistant at the Franklin Mint. She worked with many divisions of the business and particularly enjoyed her work with the sculptors and artisans in the original design work area.  Once she re-entered the workforce, she worked tirelessly (full time administrative assistant and part-time retail jobs) to become independent, to save and plan toward retirement and assist her children whenever and wherever possible.  Although her days were full, she was always there when she was needed.

Her proudest accomplishment was Grammy to 8 grandchildren who all cherished their time with her enjoying Grammy's Noodles.

Jean was an avid gardener and QVC hobbyist. She loved old movies with Doris Day , Judy Gardner, Clark Gable and any musical.  She loved baking for people. Whether it be her coffee cakes to share with her work friends, cookies, muffins or loaves of bread for neighbors, or her secret ingredient peach pie!  Although people raved about her pie crusts, she was secretly happy when Pillsbury came out with a close second refrigerator version to hers! She knew a way to anyone's heart was through her baked goodies.  That was her gift.

Because of her South Texas upbringing, she spoiled her children with great Mexican delicacies (enchiladas, guacamole, queso, beans & cornbread) that were unheard of in that time or area.  Her family would mail her corn tortillas, avocados and other ingredients since they were tough to find nearby. And she wanted the dishes to be authentic.

Jean was never selfish. She always gave of herself and she never came first.  She raised her children to put aside their feelings and stay strong.

She is predeceased by her parents Jesse and Sarah (Brown) McAlpin and three siblings: Coyce McAlpin, Jim McAlpin and Sue (McAlpin) McMann.

She is survived by four siblings Mary McAlpin, Reece (Barbara) McAlpin, Dene McAulay and Royce (Valisue) McAlpin, five children Brandon (Stacie) Clark, Ric Clark, Spencer Clark, Carrie Berner and Mary Jean (Mike Little) Clark, eight Grandchildren Danielle Clark, Taylor Clark, Allison Clark, Jesse Clark,  Travis Berner, Mackenzie Clark, Phoebe Berner, Ryley Clark and many nieces and nephews that share fond memories of their Aunt Jean.

The family would like to thank Jean's caregivers and friends that went the extra step to ensuring her happiness in the past six months.

A memorial to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 24 at Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD.