With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Betty Clark, a beloved member of the Lake Charles community who passed away on Nov. 24, 2023, at the age of 89, in Houston, Texas, after a brief illness.

Betty’s journey began in Crowley, La., on Aug. 13, 1932, as the daughter of Ruby Lee Gill Bergeron and Mansfield Anthony Bergeron. She now joins them, along with her brother, Robert Mansfield Bergeron, her daughter, Michelle Clark, and her husband, Donald Clark, in eternal peace.

Betty and Donald Lucius Clark, the love of her life, embarked on their lifelong journey together in 1954.

Her educational pursuit led her to Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana, Lafayette), where she earned a degree in early childhood education. Later, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Library Science from McNeese State University. The couple settled in Lake Charles in 1955, where Betty began her fulfilling career as a first-grade teacher for 20 years and later as a school librarian for another decade. Even after retiring from teaching, Betty continued to share her passion for literature at the Calcasieu Parish Library, eventually becoming the head of the circulation department and a manager of the Carnegie Library.

After her official retirement, Betty embraced the “art of having a good time” by creating lasting memories through travels with family and friends. For over 25 years, annual trips to Gulf Shores with lifelong girlfriends from Crowley were a cherished tradition.

Known affectionately as “Bingo Betty,” she reveled in playing games, achieving Life Master status in bridge, and demonstrating her competitive spirit in Mahjong. Whether it was Poker, Bouree, or Mexican Train, Betty enjoyed each game, though she made it clear that canasta was not her cup of tea.

Betty’s spiritual journey was deeply woven into the fabric of her community. A long-time member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church and, more recently, a dedicated lector at Christ the King. Betty found solace and community in her faith.

She leaves behind a legacy of love survived by her daughters, Dr. Lisa Clark of Lafayette, Calif., Tina Clark of Houston, Texas; son-in-law, David Strickland of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Julian Abelskamp of Los Angeles, Calif., William Strickland III, and Haley Strickland of Houston, Texas. Betty is also remembered fondly by her sister-in-law, Wanda Bergeron of Lafayette, La., and sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Richard Clark of Atlanta, Ga., along with numerous nieces and a nephew.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary. Visitation will continue Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 3939 Lake Street, Lake Charles, with burial to follow at Consolata Cemetery, 2300 Country Club Road. The Reverend Wayne LeBleu will officiate.  A gathering to celebrate Betty’s wonderful life will be held immediately after interment at the Lake Charles Country Club, 3350 Country Club Road, Lake Charles.

Betty often shared that while she had no biological sisters, having two wonderful daughters made up for everything. As we bid her farewell, let us remember Betty for her warmth, her laughter, and the indelible mark she left on our hearts.