Virginia Ann (Wilson) Clark, born on January 15, 1939, in Newark, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023, at the age of 84. She was the beloved daughter of the late Carl and Helen (Heim) Wilson. Virginia spent her early years on the family farm in Madison Township and attended the Indianola School, in Columbus, for classes for deaf children, up to the 7th grade. Despite early challenges with hearing, Virginia's spirit burned bright. Her educational journey led her through Madison Township School, Ben Franklin Junior High School, Newark High School, and finally graduating as part of the proud inaugural class of Licking Valley Senior High School in 1959, in Hanover, Ohio. Post-graduation she embarked on a career as a photo developer. She worked at Passman Photo Lab and later at Don Pound Photo Studio, both in Newark. In 1970, Virginia married the love of her life, Gary Clark, at the Rocky Fork Church of Christ. As a devoted mother, Virginia welcomed two children into her life. The family shared cherished moments and created lasting memories through vacations and many destinations. In 1977, Virginia's green thumb found fertile ground at Wilson's Garden Center, where she honed her skills as a transplanter operator. After 1998, she embraced a second career as an essential partner at the family's Foothills Farm, specializing in growing gourds and other vegetables. Virginia's artistic flair extended to gourd crafts where she gained recognition as one of the best in the field. Her creations were showcased at gourd craft shows across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, and Arizona. She amassed numerous trophies and blue ribbons, earning respect from her peers in the gourd world. Virginia leaves behind a legacy through her gourd artistry, with her creations adorning three different rooms and her artist studio in the family home. But Virginia's most beautiful masterpiece was her family. She cherished her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, showering her loved ones with unwavering love and support. Her grandchildren will forever remember her twinkling eyes and nurturing spirit. In 2018, Parkinson's disease presented a new challenge. With Gary by her side, they found solace in Michigan, in the loving embrace of their daughter and son-in-law. The arrival of her great-granddaughter brought a special radiance to Virginia's final days. Throughout it all, Virginia's spirit remained unbroken, her smile adoring. The family expresses deepest gratitude to Laurie Wintz, who provided unwavering support, love, and tender care for the last 2 ½ years of Virginia's life. Virginia is survived by her loving husband, Gary Clark, of Newark; daughter, Beverly (Kevin) Winchell of Concord, MI; son, Matthew (Rebecca) Clark of Newark; grandchildren, Kelsey (Kameron) Perry of Colorado Springs, CO, Kyle Winchell of Concord, MI, William Clark, Natalie Clark, Penelope Clark, and Anabeth Clark, all of Newark; great-granddaughter, Estelle Perry of Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by brothers, Harry (Evelyn) Wilson of Frazeysburg and Ned (Mitzie) Wilson of Newark; and brother-in-law, Robert Slonaker of Newark; and several nieces and nephews. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lynn Wilson-Slonaker; brother, John Wilson; and sister-in-law, Marina Wilson. Virginia's impact on her family, her community, and the gourd art world will be remembered fondly. Her resilience, creativity, and love will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27 from 6-8 p.m., and the service, presided by Reverend Chris Adams, will be held on Thursday, December 28 at 11 a.m. at Brucker & Kishler Funeral Home in Newark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation or Christ Lutheran Church in Heath. Online condolences can be made at www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com