Linda Bass Clark, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and writer, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 76. She was with her husband, Emmitt, holding his hand, after a life filled with service, love, and a deep appreciation for her heritage and history. Fitting her love for her husband, she passed on what was their 54th wedding anniversary. 

Linda was born on Jan. 22, 1948 in Starks, La., to Monroe “Joe Boy” Bass and Dora Bass. She grew up in Green Island, a place she always cherished, and was instilled with a strong sense of family, tradition, and community. Her upbringing laid the foundation for a life rich in curiosity, hard work, and an unrelenting passion for learning and preserving history.

At the height of the Vietnam War, Linda worked for the Commander’s Office at Fort Polk, where she was granted the highest civilian security clearance. It was there that she met Emmitt Clark, a soldier from DeQuincy, La., who would later become her husband. The two married on Jan. 15, 1971, after Emmitt’s second return from tour of duty in Vietnam. Together, they raised their son, Justin Clark, who was born in 1973. Linda’s devotion to her family, and especially to her son, was a central part of her life. She was also a proud grandmother to Sydney Madeline and Slade Thomas Clark, who both brought her immense joy.

Linda’s professional life was diverse and impactful. After earning a degree from Sowela Technical Community College, she worked for the Social Security office in DeRidder, La., and later for the Phelps Correctional Center in DeQuincy. But it was her love for education that led to one of her greatest accomplishments. At the age of 38, Linda enrolled at McNeese State University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She graduated magna cum laude and spent the next three years teaching English at Merryville Middle School before accepting a teaching position at DeQuincy Elementary, where she would spend the next 25 years shaping the lives of countless children. Linda’s impact as an educator was profound, and her legacy as a teacher will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to learn from her.

In addition to her career in education, Linda was an accomplished writer. She won numerous accolades, including the Calcasieu Writer’s Guild and Louisiana Public Library Awards. Her writing, often rooted in her upbringing in Starks, La., and the rich history of the area, was a testament to her deep connection to her past. Some of her most cherished works included short stories such as “Last of the Breed” and “My Sister’s Keeper.” At the time of her passing, Linda was working on a new story, “Goat Girl,” a fitting reflection of her unrelenting creativity and drive.

Linda was also a passionate genealogist, dedicated to uncovering the history of her family. Her research took her to libraries and churches across Texas and Louisiana, long before the internet and DNA testing made such work easier. Linda worked closely with historians and professors from Northwestern State University, Wise University, and University of Brea to compile her family’s lineage. One of her proudest discoveries was tracing her grandmother’s family back to the Mayflower Compact, an achievement that brought her immense joy and a sense of deep connection to history. This love of history was something she passed down to her son, Justin, who went on to become a social studies teacher, furthering Linda’s legacy of educational passion.

Linda also enjoyed spending time with her sisters and cousins, and one of her favorite pastimes was playing dominos, a game that brought the family together for laughter and friendly competition. She even earned her concealed carry license, proudly recounting the time she bested her sister, Molly, in a shooting competition, a skill Linda had learned from her father as a young girl.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe “Joe Boy” and Dora Bass. She will be welcomed at the domino table in heaven by her many beloved cousins who passed before her. Her life was marked by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Emmitt Clark; son, Justin Clark (wife Kelly); grandchildren, Sydney and Slade Clark; her sisters, Molly Poe (husband, John M. Poe III), and son, John Madison Poe IV (wife, Katie and daughter, Gemma), and Brenda Jo Bass; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched.

A Graveside Celebration of Linda’s life will be held at Hyatt Community Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at 11 a.m., with Bro. Vance Perkins and Roy Hoosier officiating. Linda will be laid to rest alongside her parents and other family members.

Linda Bass Clark’s legacy of love, service, education, and family will continue to inspire and guide those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace, knowing that her love and stories will live on in the hearts of her family and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to their family cemetery, Hyatt Cemetery Association (2301 South Smokey Cove Road, Singer, LA 70660) or Hargrove Bible Baptist Church in DeQuincy.  

Services entrusted to one of Linda’s favorite students, Jordan Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home. 

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.