Judith Middleton Clark

Judith Middleton Clark, 85, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the oldest of three sisters: Nancy Middleton Elliott and Susan Middleton Sexsmith. Most importantly she was a faithful Christian. 

Judy was born in Montgomery, AL to Joseph Carl Middleton and Cleo Landers Middleton on July 28, 1939. She grew up in Ozark, AL until she was 7 yrs old. The family lived in Labelle, and Fort Myers, FL before they moved to Ocala when she was in the 7th grade. She was a 1957 graduate of Ocala High School. She attended Florida Christian College in Temple Terrace, FL where she earned an AA degree in 1958. She received her B. S. degree in Home Economics from David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN and graduated in 1960. She began teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Weirsdale and South Ocala Elementary School. 

In 1961 she met John L “Jack” Clark. They fell in love and married 6 months later on March 3, 1962. Recently they celebrated 62 years of marriage. Ocala has been their home where they raised three children. 

She was incredibly talented in all that she did just as the Worthy Woman in Proverbs 31. She was a wonderful cook and an accomplished seamstress. Many knew her from her years in the Ocala Garden Club where she won numerous awards in all of the flower shows she entered. She became a Flower Show Judge and a Master Gardener. 

Judy and her 2 sisters have been successful business owners of Kings Bay Marina (Pete’s Pier) and more recently Dockside in Crystal River, FL. She accepted responsibility in 1976 and divided her time between Ocala and Crystal River for 48 years as they grew the business their father started. 

She is remembered as a faithful Christian who was a member of the Central Church of Christ since the 7th grade when she obeyed the gospel. She was a diligent Bible student and great teacher to young and old. 

She is survived by her loving husband John L Jack Clark, her children Karen Ramsey (Steve), Claire Clark, John Clark (Nisseth). Her grandchildren were the lights of her life. Each one of them had their own special relationship with their Grammy: Spencer Dohrenwend (Alexa), Grant Dohrenwend, Patrick Dohrenwend (Beth), Clark Dohrenwend, Connor Smith, Emily Smith, Chandler Clark, Bryce Clark, Elena Clark, Jonathan Clark and great grandchildren Jackson Dohrenwend, Maisly Smith along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held at 2:00 pm and service at 3 pm at Central Church of Christ on Sunday, October 13th. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm, Monday, October 14th at Highland Memorial Cemetery.