JoAnn Louise Clark (nee Miller), better known as “Nana” or “Gigi,” 82, of Elgin died Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at St. Alexius Medical Center. Born in Indianapolis on November 2, 1927, she was the daughter of Felix and Chattie Mae (Bledsoe) Miller.

She attended Attucks High School and graduated in 1945. On September 4, 1946, she was married to William Henry Clark and that union lasted for 60 years. JoAnn worked for the U-46 School District for over 10 years before retiring in 1992. “Nana” was a great woman with a big heart. If you needed help, she was always there and never turned anyone away. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, William H. Clark; 1 son, Forest Clark; and 5 siblings, Ophelia, Charlie Mae, Geneva, Corlee and James.

She is survived by 4 children; Beverly (Mark) Ellis; Kaliel (Kathy) Sayvon; Gwendolyn Myricks; and Ronald “Duke” (Noreen) Clark; 9 grandchildren; Renee (Tremain), Terrell, Michelle, DaShawn, William Jr., LaTosha, DeForest (Vanessa), JeForest (Amy), LaTrease and Ronald, Jr. Her extended family includes: Robert Thomas, Jr.; Fay Lynn Ellis, Evonda “Cookie” Hamm; Candace “Candy” Hamm; David “Dawson” Blake; Lorenzo “Dirty Socks”; Willie “Willie D.” Warren, the Herring Family and Peggy Buron.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2010 from 9:00 until time of funeral service at 11:00 AM at Bethesda Church of God in Christ, Elgin; Pastor Andrew Johnson, officiating. Burial to follow at Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin. O’Connor – Leetz Funeral Home, Elgin in charge of arrangements. For more information call us at 847-741-1400.