hattie victoria williams clark
1920-1988
Life Story
A Life Journey from Mississippi to Indiana
Early Life and Family Roots
Hattie Victoria Williams was born on November 16, 1920, in the Lawrence community of Newton County, Mississippi, to Gus Williams and Lula Willis Williams. She grew up in a large farming family in Beat 4 of the county, where agriculture shaped daily life and family bonds were strong.
By 1930, nine-year-old Hattie was living at home with her parents and several siblings, including Mary R., Cephas, Minnie, Alice, James, and Lewis T. Williams. Like many children of rural Mississippi, she balanced school attendance with the responsibilities of farm life.
Marriage and Early Motherhood
By 1940, Hattie had entered adulthood and was living in Newton County in the household of her brother Cephas Williams. Census records from that year list her as Hattie Shannon, indicating she had married Reuben Shannon.
Around this time, she gave birth to her first child, Troy, beginning her journey as a mother during a challenging era in the rural South.
A New Chapter in Louisiana
During the late 1940s, Hattie’s life took a new direction. She moved to Franklin, Louisiana, where she married Johnnie Clark. By the time of the 1950 census, the family was living on Butler Bend Road in Franklin.
Johnnie Clark worked to support the household while Hattie managed the home and cared for their young children. At that time, the household included:
- Troy (age 10)
- Johnnie M. (age 3)
- Ethel Mae (age 1)
In the years that followed, their family continued to grow with the birth of Willie C. Clark and Dorothy Clark.
Migration to Indianapolis
Like many African American families during the mid-twentieth century, Hattie eventually joined the Great Migration northward in search of greater opportunity. She settled in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she became an active member of Greater Elam Baptist Church.
The church community provided spiritual support and fellowship as she raised her family and built a life far from the rural fields of Mississippi where she had grown up.
Death and Burial
Hattie V. Clark passed away on November 10, 1988, at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, just six days before her 68th birthday.
Funeral services were held at Greater Elam Baptist Church, where she had been a faithful member. She was laid to rest in New Crown Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Family and Legacy
At the time of her passing, Hattie left behind a large and loving family.
Children
- Troy Clark
- J. C. Clark
- Willie C. Clark
- Johnnie M. Clark
- Ethel M. Clark
- Dorothy Clark
Siblings
- Mary R. Jackson
- Alice Conley
- James Williams
- L. T. Williams
Descendants
She was also survived by 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Legacy
Hattie Victoria Williams Clark’s life tells the story of many African American women of her generation—women who moved from the rural South to northern cities while maintaining deep family ties and faith traditions.
From the red clay roads of Newton County, Mississippi, to the neighborhoods of Indianapolis, Indiana, she carried with her the strength of the Williams family heritage. Her journey reflects resilience, devotion to family, and the enduring power of faith and community.
Resting Place
New Crown Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
- The Indianapolis News, Hattie V. Clark Obituary, Wed, Nov 16, 1988 ·Page 49
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
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