GWENNELLE BELINDA CLARK

1950 to 2020

The “C” stood for Clark

Gwennelle Belinda Clark—a loving mother who devoted her life to her only child and prized science and education—passed away at age 70 of a post-surgical infection and heart failure at Wake Medical Center, in Raleigh, NC, on June 12, 2020, her adored son Charles at her side.

It was a running joke among those who knew Gwennelle that the “C” in QVC stood for Clark. If she had one vice, it was the home shopping network, QVC. She did, on occasion, let slip a racy expletive, followed by her legendary chuckle. She rarely drank alcohol, other than something sweet, a wine cooler, maybe, or some Kahlua. Did her conversation linger a bit too often on her son? Of course. Charles was her “pride and joy” and she never hesitated to let you know it.

Her brothers called her “Law”

The first of three children, Gwennelle Belinda Clark was born Feb. 20, 1950, in Southern Pines, NC, to Ernest Thomas Clark, Sr., a tradesman and educator, and Nellie Clark, a math teacher. The Clarks schooled their children early on the importance of education, something that fostered Gwennelle’s dream of becoming a doctor. Ernest and Henry, her younger brothers, called her “Law” because she was quick to enforce the rules when their parents were absent. Frugality came from her dad.

After graduating from West Southern Pines High, in 1967, Gwen, as most called her, attended Howard University, earning a BS in Chemistry in 1967. Intent on realizing her dream of a career in medicine, she matriculated at Hahnemann Medical School, Drexel University where she met the love of her life, Norman Dubissette, a fellow classmate.

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ERNESTINE OSEGUERA

1937 to 2021

She cherished her family

Ernestine Oseguera—a vivacious woman who adored life, cherished her family, and held unshakable faith in the Lord—passed away of liver cancer at her son’s home in Riverside, CA, on February 11, 2021. She was 83.

A savory mix of Texas Mexican, Spanish, French, and Aztec Indian, Ernestine, known as Ernee to her friends, loved nothing more than celebrating the holidays. Whether it was her brown-sugar ham and lemon squares for Thanksgiving or the tons of tamales whipped up before New Year’s Day, Ernestine—surrounded by her enormous family—made the most of any event.

Laughing, sharing stories, and cracking jokes in English and Spanish reigned throughout every holiday, the music of Freddy Fender playing in the background. Fender, a country-rock legend in Texas, was Ernestine’s cousin.

Helped raise her siblings

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ROBERT LEE BOOTHE

1927 – 2021

Lived life to the fullest

Robert Lee Boothe—a man of unparalleled devotion to his wife and children who excelled in business, the military, dog breeding, flying, and fidelity to his Methodist faith—passed away of congestive heart failure at Eden Hill Communities in New Braunfels, TX, on March 20, 2021, his children and granddaughter at his side. He was 93.

It is no cliché to say that Bob, as most called him, lived life to the fullest. Whether it was clinching an oil-land deal, breeding his adored Beagles, learning aerobatics, or attending his children’s recitals, he did it with the same commitment and zeal he devoted to serving his country as a U.S. Army officer.

The first of two children, Bob was born August 6, 1927, in Shreveport, LA, to Smith Robinson, a housewife, and Robert E. Boothe, who worked at Halliburton, a multinational oil company, which required the family to move often.

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DR. FORREST ANDREW REED, JR.

1926 – 2021

A devilish sense of humor

Forrest Andrew Reed—a veterinarian with a devilish sense of humor who treasured animals almost more than people (his beloved wife and four sons excepted, of course)—passed away of a brain hematoma in Richfield, Ohio on Saturday, March 13, 2021, his remaining sons at his side. He was 94.

The first in a line of Eagle Scouts, Forrest helped son Gary and grandsons Forrest John and Justin achieve the same rank. But Marv Bortz, who grew up next door to the man he described as his best friend, claimed Forrest  “duped the Boy Scouts into making him an Eagle Scout” without having accomplished any of the required tasks.

Knowing Forrest’s humor and the way he joked around, Bortz’ assertion remains questionable.

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