Mary Margaret McRae Clark was welcomed into eternity on December 27, 2014. She passed peacefully at home in Earleton, FL, after a short illness. Always being known for her energy, determination and love of her family, she was strengthened and comforted by family and friends until the end. Mary was born on July 20, 1913, in Jacksonville FL, where she lived most of her life. Mary lived to be 101 years of age. She was the first daughter of Edna J. and Ernest D. McRae. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Thomas Clark, daughter, Dorothy Anne, and beloved sister, Edna Register of Jacksonville and Earleton. Mary is survived by two daughters and their families: Mary Branley, of the home and Washington, D.C.) and Elizabeth (Dr. Jim) Surratt of Port Orange, FL and Austin, TX. Three granddaughters: Maureen Branley Pereira-Stubbs (James) of Zurich; Deirdre Branley Trujillo (Rafael) of New York City; and Elizabeth Joy Surratt Baskin (J.J.) of Austin, TX., and one grandson, Edwin Thomas Surratt of Gainesville, FL. Mrs. Clark was always amazed and entertained by her five great-grandchildren: Ava and Feena Trujillo; Zoe Pereira-Stubbs; and Benjamin Thomas and Judge James Baskin. In addition to her two daughters, extended family and close circle of friends so dear to her heart, Mary was immeasurably blessed by her niece, Edna Lois DeLand Ramsdell of Jacksonville. "Aunt" Mary, as she was often called, shared over twenty years of duties and joys associated with the America Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Jacksonville, where she served twice as Worthy Matron. Mary's membership with First United Methodist Church was one of enduring love, service and comfort. She loved her Sunday School class and grew in Christian faith through worship services, music, including the Bell Choir, and Church outreach activities. Mary was a life-long learner. She developed each of her interests, gifts and talents with energy and determination. Even though she was widowed with two daughters at an early age, Mary forged a life of accomplishment and service with poise and grace. In her twenty-five year career with the Correspondence Unit of the Internal Revenue Service in Jacksonville, she was awarded numerous commendations for her skill at making the most technical points of law understandable in even the most difficult issues. Her command of the English language, understanding of the law and desire to help others were the hallmarks of her career. Mary also developed her love of music, especially the piano, to enrich her life and the lives of others. Mary discovered she was able to play "by ear" and worked to develop her skills. She understood the power of music to lift a sad heart or bring healing and joy in worship. Mary was blessed and honored to be organist for twenty years at Church. Mrs. Clark was an artist at heart. She loved Nature's colors, patterns and lush textures. She excelled in portraiture from miniature cameos to larger classic pieces. Her favorite touch was made with rich gold. She spent hours, months and years perfecting brush techniques. Mary was always humble about her work, even when pieces were selected to be exhibited in the National China Painting Museum in Oklahoma City. Visitation will be in the Chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4747 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, from 1:00 - 2:45pm, on Wednesday, December 31. Long time friend Rev. Dick Petry of First United Methodist Church will conduct the graveside service at 3:00pm, in Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #6). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Family & Friends of Tacachale c/o Community Foundation of N. Central FL, Gainesville; Haven Hospice of Alachua; The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; or Shriners' Hospital for Children..GravesideWednesday, December 31, 201403:00 AM Evergreen Cemetery4535 N Main StreetJacksonville, FL 32206VisitationWednesday, December 31, 201401:00 PM - 02:45 AM George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home4747 Main StreetJacksonville, FL 322064140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763