Arzella Thompson Clark passed away peacefully Saturday June 7, 2025. She was born on September 18, 1936 in Murphy, NC to the late Columbus and Bertha Thompson.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Floyd Bruce Clark; daughter and son-in-law Linda and Barry Elkins; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Chris Reese; daughter Lorri Smith; step-daughters Donna Barrier and Sandi Thompson; grandson and wife Caleb and Heather Elkins; grandson Alex Elkins; grandson and wife Zachary and Isabel Smith; and grandson Noah Smith; step-grandchildren Emily Coniglio; Chris, Scott, and Mark Barrier; Olivia and Jordan Thompson. She is also survived by her sister Ira Mae Moss and sister-in-law and best friend Ann Thompson; a host of nieces, nephews and wonderful friends whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by brothers Audrey, Obera, Willis, David, and Otis Thompson; sisters Alice and Irene Thompson and Ruth Brown. She was an active long-time member of Faith Freewill Baptist Church and considered them like her family.
Arzella was a woman of faith and integrity who never compromised on doing the right thing. She was kind and caring to everyone and was especially devoted to her family, always making them feel loved and valued.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Rocky Reese officiating. Burial will follow at Faith Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in honor of Arzella to Faith Freewill Baptist Church at 1308 Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or Carolina Caring at 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Gould and staff at Burke Primary Care and also to Carolina Caring of Newton, NC.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I loved this woman so much! She was a really sweet lady I met many years ago @ Broughton when I was an apprentice in high school, little did I know that she was also a friend of my daddy’s and would always give me a smile and hug every time I saw her! Rest easy and tell my daddy I love him !
I worked with Arzella at Broughton Hospital. I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t get the News Herald and I didn’t know about her passing. I was see her again one day in Heaven!
We did not know this precious lady, but we do know Lorri. Our deepest sympathy to you Lorri, your two sons, and the rest of your family. The loss of a mother leaves such a hole in your heart, and tears that come at unexpected times. May your hole be filled with the prayers you feel from others, the memories you have, and the wonderful knowledge of knowing you will see her again. Those tears are called "love." Never be ashamed to shed them. We will continue to lift you up in prayer, and we are here if you need us, Lorri. With love and concern, Gary and Connie Allen (Dellwood Baptist Church)
I met Arzella 37 years ago when I became friends with Donna. She was such an amazing woman. She raised 3 terrific daughters and I have loved watching their relationship through the years. She will be missed. Love and prayers for all the family!
I'm so sorry to hear of Arzella passing She was such a beautiful person inside and out She will be missed by all who knew her. Prayers for her family.
I had just recently met Mrs Clark while she was shopping with Donna and I came away so completely impressed . Talk about first impressions…. So classy and so fashionable-forward. I remember that night mentioning to my wife I had met her and how adorable she was , so friendly and I was so impressed with her outfit and how well fashioned she was. A really nice lady and I’m so glad I got to meet her. Gina and I are so sorry to hear of her passing and know this leaves a deep hole in your hearts — continued prayers for the entire family .
Dear Donna and Chris, We are so sorry for your loss! It is so hard to lose someone we love, but it’s even harder to lose someone who loves you! May God bless and comfort you both!
Arzella was a wonderful, well-loved, and loving woman, the epitome of a steel magnolia. She raised three beautiful daughters who are a testament to her faith, intelligence, and common sense. I am so proud of each of them, and so proud that I had the privilege to know her. May she rest in peace, and comfort come to all who loved her. She will be missed. Love, Margaret and David
This was one of the sweetest ladies whom I ever got to work with....sorry for the family's loss and they will be in my prayers