Joanna May (Corwin) Clark

Joanna May (Corwin) Clark was born in Waynesburg, PA, March 22, 1929. Her parents were DeEtta and Harold (Pete) Corwin. Joanna, at age 3, along with her brother, Bill and sister, Emogene were placed in the Waynesburg Children’s Home. 5 years later, Joanna was chosen to be the Foster daughter of elderly parents, Smith and Sarah Brock. Growing up on the Brock’s farm in Blacksville, PA was a delight for a little girl who loved wandering the fields and singing to the animals. In 1949, Joanna and her high school sweetheart, Louis Clark, travelled to Oakland, Maryland, spotted lovely pink shoes in a store window, bought them, and quickly eloped. A secret code word to her sister was met with  ”Oh!! You are married!” to the ears of all who were on the party line of the telephone in Blacksville.. A son, Bradley, came along before job opportunities brought them to Howell,  Michigan. They loved the small town and cherished the lifelong friendships made. Two more babies came, Debbie and Doug. Later, niece Kathy came to live with the family, following the passing of her mother. In 1965, Joanna earned a Bachelor of Education from Michigan State.  She went on to receive two Master Degrees, one from Michigan State and one from IU. By 1966, Joanna achieved her lifelong dream of teaching. She taught third grade and, music, focusing on the guitar. Another work opportunity came for Louis, moving them to Zionsville, IN in 1972. Joanna continued teaching and cannot go to a grocery or restaurant without meeting and chatting with former students. She is survived by her sons, Brad Clark, (wife Cheryl), Doug Clark, (wife Stephanie) and her niece, Kathy Vlasek. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson. Joanna is preceded in death by her husband Louis, and Daughter Debra. Services for Joanna will be held Friday, March 9, at Flanner Buchanan-Zionsville, 105 W Pine St., Zionsville, IN. Viewing will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, immediately followed by service.