Mrs. Ruthie Lee Butler Clark was born to the late Farmer Gervin and Josie Mae Butler Carter on March 16, 1940, in Worth County, Georgia.

She was educated in the Worth County School System and actively participated in numerous school activities and events.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Ruthie was a devout member of Mt. Early Baptist Church where she served for over 50 years.  She loved to sing, and many hearts were motivated, molded and changed as she ministered in song with the senior choir.  Sister Clark was one of the eldest members of Mt. Early and remained steadfast in service until her demise.

She went on to be employed in various roles, with her first position with the Gordon Hotel in downtown Albany.

On April 23, 1960, she was united in marriage to Willie James Clark.  They shared a bond that was unshakeable and a powerful devotion to each other.   As a wife, she supported her husband in all his efforts; as a mother, she worked tirelessly to ensure that her children were nurtured in the admonition of the Lord.  For numerous years, she diligently cared for the needs of her family through her employment with the Gordon Hotel in downtown Albany.  She later joined the ranks of food service assistants with the Dougherty County School System, serving students and teachers nutritious meals for over 40 years.  Upon retiring in 1997, she was hailed as a loyal, enthusiastic, and dedicated whose heart knew no bounds.  Always as "busybody," Ruth soon re-entered the workforce to continue her service with children as a school crossing guard until her health declined.  She will be remembered by many for her motherly, nurturing spirit and care.  In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastimes included attending gospel concerts, completing crossword puzzles, participating with SOWEGA Council on aging activities, and watching WWE wrestling with her husband.

On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, Ruthie peacefully answered the Master's call at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.  The last of six children to transition to eternal rest with her parents, she has also joined her siblings, Ira Lee Johnson, Ossie Bell Snell, Bertha Lee Thomas, Mildred McCullough, and M.C. Carter.

Cherished memories will forever remain with her beloved husband, James Clark of Albany, GA; six children, Alice Jordan (Wallace), Mary Bush, Elaine Carter (Johnny), Ira King (K.D.), Melvin Clark, and Danny Ray Clark (Sandra); twenty-two grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.