Marybeth Loren Clark

Posted on October 11, 2023

Marybeth Loren Clark, 30, gained her heavenly wings on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

She was the proud daughter of Vern and Angie (Blanton) Clark.

Marybeth was born Oct. 18, 1992, in Tallahassee. She was a Baptist.

Marybeth was a very talented young lady. She had a beautiful smile and a kind heart. She was a member of multiple organizations during her high school years.

Her most favorite and happiest times were when she was a majorette. Marybeth was captain of the Taylor County High School majorette team. Not only did she twirl batons, she also twirled fire batons. The song that made her come alive and dance like no one was watching was “Ole Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger.

Marybeth was vice president and secretary for the Taylor County Key Club. She was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the Student Council.

In 2010, Marybeth danced, twirled and tumbled though a series of competitions and landed the title of 2010 Taylor County Junior Miss. Not only was she awarded the 2010 Junior Miss title, but she also won the talent award, scholastic award and a physical fitness award.

Marybeth graduated as valedictorian at Taylor County High School in 2011. Her goals were always high, and her dream was to earn a degree in criminal justice and work for the Federal Bureau of Investigations. She wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps as well as her grandfather, Papa Clark. She earned her AA degree from North Florida Community College and her bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Florida, graduating with honors.

Marybeth’s major goals in life were to do the best she could, and to make her parents proud. That pride was shared by her “Nana” Mary Helen Sheffield,who cherished and adored her. Nana was her rock, her shining star and her secret keeper.

Her main philosophy for years before the onset of her illness was, “Take hold of every moment and live life to your fullest potential, know that you are capable to do any task set before you.”

She is preceded in death by: her maternal grandparents, Vernon Blanton and Mary Helen Sheffield; and paternal grandparents, Vern R. and Betty Buchanan Clark Sr.

Marybeth is survived by her parents Vern and Angie Clark, as well as many other extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m.at Burns Funeral Home in Perry with Brother Cricket Watson officiating.

The Clarks will receive friends and family at Antioch Revival Center (3808 Cash Road) with food and fellowship immediately after the service.