Roberta Marchelle Clark

Roberta Marchelle Clark was born in Herrin, IL, on November 27, 1959, to Margaret Kincaid and Robert Clardy, and was raised as the second oldest of seven children by her mother and father, Frederick Lee Wills.

Roberta was raised in a large, loving family and accepted Christ at a young age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Colp, IL. Her formative years in Illinois contributed significantly to her development into the determined, joyful, and trailblazing woman she would eventually become. Notably, Roberta made history as the first Black cheerleader at Herrin High School, where she also excelled in volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics. She later graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, IL.

Roberta attended Robert Morris College in Carthage, IL, where she studied business administration. Her swift aptitude for learning propelled her career forward, leading her to secure a position at the Murphysboro Courthouse in Murphysboro, Illinois, where she became the youngest clerk at that time. In 1986, Roberta relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, and continued her professional journey at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS), where she served for 27 years. During her tenure at UAMS, she earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from John Brown University, as well as an executive master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After retiring from UAMS, Roberta stepped out on faith to transition her career from health care administration to higher education. She began as an adjunct instructor at John Brown University – Little Rock Campus and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and ultimately provided an opportunity to be a full-time position as an assistant professor at Arkansas Baptist College, where she also took on the role of Department Chair.

Dedicated to education and personal achievement, Roberta cultivated a distinguished career and generously contributed her time and talents to the community. She proudly served on multiple boards and was actively involved in her church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where her compassion and steady leadership left a lasting impact.

Roberta was an avid learner with a vibrant spirit. She enjoyed dancing, spending quality time with her family, and dedicating herself to supporting the students she cared for deeply. Known for her warmth, kindness, and a smile that could illuminate any room she entered, her legacy endures in the countless lives she has touched.

Roberta passed away on November 13, 2025, and is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Kincaid Wills; her fathers, Robert Clardy; and Frederick Lee Wills; and her dear friend, Christine Aminisaber.

Roberta is survived by her three children: Chastity McNeary, David Clark, and Constance Clark; her four grandchildren: Bianca Reed, Toni Nelson, Jayson McNeary, and Arin Furlow; her siblings, Cynthia Harris, Andrea “Chelly” Rutherford (John), Abraham Flagg, Fredrick Wills, Lana Davis (Darryl), and Margaret Nolan (Lawrence Sr.); and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Although Roberta has made her heavenly transition, and her legacy of love, compassion, and passion for education continues through the Roberta Clark Scholarship for Business Excellence.