HOPE – Hope Public Schools Superintendent Bobby Hart reflected upon the loss to the Hope Public School District in the passing of Natalie (Coker) Clark in a statement issued this morning.

“Hope Schools mourns the loss of a great teacher and even greater human being,” Hart said.

He said Clark, a former health education instructor at Clinton Primary School, was a leader.

“Natalie Clark will be remembered for her dedication to students, her work ethic, and her infectious personality,” Hart said. “Our district sends our deepest sympathy to her family. She made a difference in all our lives.”

Clark was employed by the HPSD in 2006 as a health education instructor at CPS, and she taught grades one and four at CPS. Clark was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education in 2008, and pursued a career in special education thereafter. She was a member of the Arkansas Education Association, and was extensively active in community and professional organizations.

Clark was the daughter of the late Bobby Eugene Coker and Mrs. Patricia A.K. Coker of Stuttgart; and, the daughter-in-law of James and Dr. Linda Clark of Hope.

Visitation will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Hicks Funeral Home in Hope, with family hour from 5-6 p.m.

Funeral services for Clark will be conducted Saturday at 11 a.m. at Rising Star Baptist Church in Hope, and burial will be in Scott’s Memorial Gardens in Perrytown, under the direction of Hicks Funeral Home.