On a beautiful Tuesday of November 22, 1960, Sandra D. (Walker) Clark entered this world by way of the late David and Ina Bell Walker and was the youngest of six siblings. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Sandra attended James Madison High School, where she excelled as a Track and Field star. During her time at James Madison, she was the recipient of many trophies and medals. Sandra even had the honor of meeting and dining with one of her idols, Olympic Gold Medalist Jesse Owens.
In 1982, Sandra married her high school sweetheart, Richard Clark, with whom she shares two beautiful children. Sandra was employed with the Eastman Kodak Company and Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. Many of her hobbies consisted of knitting, cooking and most of all shopping. Sandra was very well known for having some of the best oxtails in the city, which were so good, she had the opportunity to sell her dinners at the Birdcage.
Anyone who knew Sandra knew that she was all about having a good time and was the life of the party. You could catch her on the dance floor at Club Calabash, where she met her long-time partner of 39 years, Jan Denenberg and together they raised five children.
Sandra had a passion for fashion! She had every color leather jacket and mink coat there was and let’s not forget her signature pointy-toed pumps…you could hear her coming from a mile away. Music was her therapy. Sandra often stayed up late listening to old school jams. Her favorite artist was Lenny Williams. Sandra would always express how she wanted to have a birthday party but wouldn’t come unless Lenny was going to be there. On her 55th birthday, her children threw a surprise birthday party and although Lenny could not make it, it was still a party to remember. She lit up the room from beginning to end. Sandra was celebrated and loved by all of her family and friends.
One thing about Sandra, she was one of a kind and always kept it real, never passing judgement on anyone. She always kept you laughing and wondering what she was going to come up with next. All those who knew her felt safe and comfortable with her. Sandra would do and give anything for her children. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh and heart of gold will truly be missed.
On Good Friday, April 7th, 2023, God called Sandra home as she was surrounded by her loved ones. In true Sandra fashion, she transitioned in her own way. She is predeceased by her loving parents, David and Ina Bell Walker; Brothers, Donnell Walker and Charles “Bubba” Walker and Sister, Helen “Koosie” Payne and beloved fur baby, Babe.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving and devoted life-partner of 39 years, Jan Denenberg; her devoted children; Richard “Ricky” (Danni) Clark, Sparkle (Lamont) Griffin, Isiah “Ding” Clark, Miryah “MiMi” Denenberg and Jalen Clark and fur-baby Coco Chanel. Sisters; Phyllis (Lee) Tucker, Kim (Charles) Alvarez. Grandchildren; BreYana Clark, DeAsia Griffin, London Clark, Destiny Griffin, Savannah Clark, Rikki Clark, Richard Clark III, Mia Reed, Kali Clark and Melody Clark. Great-Grandchildren; Brooklynn Lopez, Deion Mitchell, Angel Clark and August Villanueva. Special Sister-in-Law, Darcelle Walker. Best Friend of over 50 years, Kim Hayward – who played a significant role in Sandra’s life. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends near and far.