By: Shirley Clark-McClure
Jane Georgia Ann Greer-Clark, my mother, was the greatest influence in my life. From my birth to her death, I had the luxury of her constant encouragement and example.
Georgia, as my mother was lovingly called, was born and raised in West, Mississippi, in Holmes County, the third poorest County in the United States. Georgia worked as a housekeeper to help Mr. Clark, a railroad worker, educate their six children. In the ‘50s, their children were expected to complete high school. By the ‘60s, everybody was required to attend college.
She worked in the community, fighting against injustice and poverty. Georgia served in many organizations, including — Vice President, West Elementary School’s Parent Teachers Organization; President, West Freedom Democratic Party Chapter; and West Economic Development Cooperation. She also established a senior food program, President of the Rural Organizing Culture Center In 1969, Georgia became the first Black and the first female to win the office of Election Commissioner for Holmes County.
In 1977, when the youngest of her six children graduated high school, we were surprised to hear her called to the stage. Georgia had been secretly attending school and, at the age of 54, was presented with her High School Equivalence Diploma.
My mother never missed our school activities, threw us wonderful Friday night popcorn parties, Birthday, and Halloween parties. She kept a close eye on our dates and nursed us gently through our heartaches. When I dropped out of college for the 99th time, she told me, “you will find your way back.” I earned my Bachelor’s Degree at the age of 68. When I turned to her during my marital storms, she looked me in the eye and said, “your heart will know when it is time to go.” She was right. After 17 years and two children, my heart let go, and I let God. My parents were married for 71 years until death called her home. I returned their love by providing care for them during their failing years.
She worked in the community, fighting against injustice and poverty. Georgia served in many organizations, including — Vice President, West Elementary School’s Parent Teachers Organization; President, West Freedom Democratic Party Chapter; and West Economic Development Cooperation. She also established a senior food program, President of the Rural Organizing Culture Center In 1969, Georgia became the first Black and the first female to win the office of Election Commissioner for Holmes County.
In 1977, when the youngest of her six children graduated high school, we were surprised to hear her called to the stage. Georgia had been secretly attending school and, at the age of 54, was presented with her High School Equivalence Diploma.
My mother never missed our school activities, threw us wonderful Friday night popcorn parties, Birthday, and Halloween parties. She kept a close eye on our dates and nursed us gently through our heartaches. When I dropped out of college for the 99th time, she told me, “you will find your way back.” I earned my Bachelor’s Degree at the age of 68. When I turned to her during my marital storms, she looked me in the eye and said, “your heart will know when it is time to go.” She was right. After 17 years and two children, my heart let go, and I let God. My parents were married for 71 years until death called her home. I returned their love by providing care for them during their failing years.