“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28–30

God, in His infinite wisdom, called home Ertice Ernestine Clark after her courageous battle with illness on September 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as “Tice” or “Ticey,” Ertice was born on September 21, 1940, in Camden, NJ, the youngest living child of Granville Clark Sr. and Amelia Still-Clark. Born at home, she was doted on by her older siblings and cherished the warmth and camaraderie of the Clark household.

Growing up on Baring Street, she shared a crowded room with her four sisters—Marion, Verna, Nola, and Gloria—while also enjoying special time with her brothers Carl and Raymond, learning how to cook, bake pies, sew, and play lighthearted pranks.

The family’s spiritual foundation was formed when neighbors invited them to a tent revival, where Granville and Amelia accepted the Seventh-day Adventist faith. As a young child, Ertice also heard God’s calling and was baptized by Elder Roalnd Newman, beginning her lifelong walk with the Lord.

Ertice often recalled stories of her school years, from her classmate John Gibson Jr. dipping her long hair in an inkwell, to trudging through knee-high snow to get to class. She attended Mt. Olivet SDA Church School from kindergarten through 8th grade under the guidance of Mrs. Higgs, later spending time at Garden State Academy before graduating from Glassboro High School in 1958.

Following high school, Ertice began her career at Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, as a Unit Clerk, where she worked until 1970. She took time off to raise her two children, Pamela and Kyle, before returning to the workforce. In 1973, she met Nathaniel “Bucky” Johnson Sr., and together they blended their families, with Bucky’s four children—Rose, Natalie, Nathaniel Jr., and Andre—joining the fold. The couple married in 1980 and remained connected as family even after their separation, until Bucky’s passing in 2003.

Ertice’s career path later took her to Dr. Neil Litton’s medical practice on Kaighn Avenue, where she served as a Medical Secretary. In 1978, she transitioned into education, working for the Camden City School District. For 28 years, she devoted herself to her students, colleagues, and the community she loved. After retiring in June 2006, she continued working part-time for another decade at JCPenney’s in Deptford, NJ.

Faith and service were central to Ertice’s life. At Mt. Olivet SDA Church, she served faithfully as Church Clerk, Senior Choir member, Usher, and as part of the Building Fund, Church Board, and Nominating Committees. She was also a regular presence at Wednesday morning prayer service. Beyond the church, she volunteered with her family’s Breast Cancer Foundation, attending and supporting events throughout South Jersey.

After the loss of her last sibling during the COVID pandemic, Ertice stepped into the role of Matriarch of the Clark family. She was a prayer warrior, a source of strength, and a helping hand to anyone in need. Her family was her joy, and her love for them was unconditional.

Ertice was preceded in death by her parents, her eight brothers, and her four sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children Rose, Natalie (Eustace), Nathaniel Jr., Pamela, Kyle (Chante), and Andre; Five grand- children Janea(Mervin Jr.), Shakyla, Kyle Jr., Semaj and Makayla, along with 18 beloved grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; her godson Arthur (Denise) Gould; her special son William Edwards Sr.; three devoted nieces, Darlinda Bayard, Dellareese (Greg) King, and Janyll Tucker; four beloved “daughters” Kimberlee (Eric) Alvis, Natayla Frisbey, Sharlett Kersey, and Sharon Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Ertice Ernestine Clark will be truly missed but forever remembered for her faith, kindness, and the love she poured into everyone she met.

Lovely Submitted,

The Clark and Johnson Family