Carmen Ercell Clark, 94 went to be with her Heavenly Father Thursday March 26, 2009 in the Borden Heath Center, Kendal at Lexington, where she had been a resident since December, 2004.
Carmen was born in Rockbridge County, October 1, 1914, the daughter of the late Lyle W. Clark and Jenetta "Nettie" Belle Goodbar Clark.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde C. Clark and Carson W. Clark.
Carmen was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Carmen was Valedictorian of her class at Effinger High School in 1931. She attended Longwood College (then State Teachers College) from which in 1935 she received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education and a Collegiate Professional Certificate. She attained a high scholastic record, ranking among the highest four in her degree class of 78 members. Having become interested in the library profession as a result of working as a student assistant in the college library for three years, she was employed as an assistant librarian and remained there for six years. After attending the University of North Carolina School of Library Science where she received a B.S. in L.S. degree in 1942, she was assistant librarian 1942-1944, and Acting Librarian at Longwood College 1944-1947.
In September 1947, Carmen accepted a position in civil service as reference librarian at Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL. In July 1951, she became, Chief, reference section, US. Army War College Library, Carlisle Barracks, PA. She organized and developed the reference program for the U.S. Army's top level school. The reference section received meritorious comments both locally and from agencies throughout the Army because of the quality of assistance given to researchers.
From 1969 until her retirement, she was Chief, readers Service Branch U.S. Army War College. She initiated the publication of Key Reference and revised it yearly. She was a member of the Special Libraries Association, Kappa Delta Pi and served in several other honorary societies.
Carmen retired in 1975 and moved back to Rockbridge County where she enjoyed living in her family home on Blacks Creek. It was here that John Crutchfield and wife, Betty of Lexington, became her constant support and later caregivers. Always interested in biography and history, her hobby following retirement was genealogy. She was member of the National Genealogical Society, the Rockbridge Historical Society and the Collierstown Presbyterian Church.
She authored two books: GOODBARS I FOUND, 1980 Descendents of Joseph and William Goodbar of Rockbridge 1774-1978; and THY FAITHFULNESS IS UNTO ALL GENERATIONS, 1991, Collierstown Presbyterian Church, 1842-1992.
A graveside service will be conducted in the Collierstown Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. John "Skip" Hastings officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Collierstown Presbyterian Church. Those wishing, may visit the funeral home anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009.
Arrangements are being handled by HarrisonŐs Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.
