Beverly Clark

Beverly Nadine James Brinkley Clark, formerly of Spencer, passed away Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, in Cloquet, Minnesota.

Beverly was born to Ruth (Woods) and Everett James on April 10, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. During her early years, the James family moved back to Spencer, where Beverly met Donald Brinkley. They fell madly in love and wed the day after Beverly graduated from Spencer High School in June 1948. Bev and Don started their family on a farm outside Everly. Tragically, Donald passed away from cancer after 17 wonderful years of marriage in 1965.

On April 2, 1967, Beverly married Robert Clark and moved to his farm in Spencer. This farm became the site for many family gatherings, complete with flocked Christmas trees and countless adventures. In 1989, Beverly and Robert retired to their lake house on High Lake, which became a hub for family vacations, fishing, and fun. They wintered and lived in Arizona until Robert's death in 2008. Following that, Beverly embarked on a new adventure in Cloquet where she spent the next 10 years.

The Clay County Fair held a special place in her heart. While working at the information booth, she loved welcoming visitors and engaging in friendly conversations. As a devoted Christian, Beverly was always eager to serve her church. She also found great fulfillment in her involvement with the Red Hat Society, where she made lasting friendships and created cherished memories.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Donald Brinkley (with whom she shared 17 years of marriage), her second husband Robert Clark (with whom she shared 42 years of marriage), and her brother Everett Lee.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Susan Zehnder of Maryland, Washington; Timothy (Susan) Brinkley of Spencer; Karen Cretsinger of Spencer; Constance Brinkley of Seattle, Washington; Pamela (Henry) Hunt of Okemos, Michigan; and Reverend Thomas (Mary) Brinkley of Cloquet, Minnesota. Her grandchildren include Thadd (Kim)Zehnder, Seth Zehnder, and Cassie Zehnder; Makala (Chad) Brinkley-Seitz; Brittany (Justin) Spieker; Zack Cretsinger; Dr. Elizabeth Hunt; Dr. Samuel (Margaret) Hunt; Jessica (Aaron) Bell; Robert Brinkley; Joel Brinkley; Markieshia Brinkley; and Earl Brinkley. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her sister, Penny Clements of Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Beverly's faith in Jesus guided her throughout her 94 years on Earth. This faith brought her comfort and joy as Jesus welcomed her in His loving arms.