Patty Lynn Gray Clark

Abingdon. VA

Patty Lynn Gray Clark, 86, of Abingdon, VA, died peacefully in her sleep on April 3, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living. Patty is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, John K. Clark.

Patty was born on July 21, 1938, in Washington County, VA, to Harry and Nell Gray. In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by her daughters, Kathy Roberts (Roby) of Athens, GA, Mary Lynn Singleton of Galax, VA, and Kelly Collins (Eric) of Abingdon, VA; nephew Steven Gray; her six grandchildren, Jacob Singleton (Ashley), Ian Roberts, Sarah Moxley (Jeremy), Katie DePaolo (Alex), Rebbeca Collins, and William Collins; four great-grandchildren; special in-laws, and a niece and seven nephews.  

Patty was proceeded in death by her parents Harry and Nell Gray and brother Robert Gray.

Patty graduated from Montreat College in 1959 and began her career in early childhood education teaching at Cold Spring Elementary School. She taught for several years in Dekalb County, GA public schools, and for 10 years at Columbia Presbyterian Church Kindergarten in Decatur, GA. Upon the Clark’s return to Abingdon, Patty taught for 23 years in Washington County VA Schools, teaching at Bethel and Watauga Elementary Schools, retiring in 2003. Even in retirement, she continued to tutor her beloved students for another decade. Mrs. Clark had “the look” that would stop students and grandchildren alike in their tracks, never needing to raise her voice.

She was a longtime member of Green Spring Presbyterian Church where she taught children’s Sunday School and vacation bible schools and was active in the women’s Circle and other church activities.

Patty and John lived in Decatur, GA for 18 years before returning to the Green Spring community in 1980. After retirement, Patty enjoyed traveling with John on bus tours, vacationing with her children and grandchildren, flower gardening, and bird watching from  her dining room windows.

An avid sports fan, Patty enjoyed watching college sports of every kind, and following her students’ and grandchildren’s athletic and band careers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Green Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 22007 Green Spring Church Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24211.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers at Commonwealth Senior Living and MSA Hospice, many of whom were former students of Mrs. Clark.

The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Green Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, followed by a funeral and graveside services at 3:00 p.m. at the church with the Reverend Deidra Crosby and the Reverend Jacob Singleton officiating.

Those unable to attend may join us virtually at   https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSpringPresbyterianChurch/streams

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Clark.