Emory James Clark

Emory James Clark, son of the late Herbert and Gladye Clark, was born in Parker District, Georgia in 1925. He was a person of unwavering faith who believed in defying the odds to pursue his dreams.

From very meager beginnings, he served in the US Army during WW2 and was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran, living the rest of his life with a bullet lodged in his shoulder bone from a sniper.  He later became a 3rd Degree Master Mason at the King Solomon’s lodge in Somerville.

He attained higher education at Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy and further attended a Master’s degree program at the Massachusetts School of Optometry, before leaving to pursue his dream of owning his own pharmacy as registered pharmacist.

In May, 1953, Emory and Xonnabel Green were united in marriage. From this blessed union came five children: Emory Eugene (deceased), Xonna Maria, Ellingston James, Eugene James, and Donatilda Debra (deceased).  He proudly raised his children and supported his family by operating an ice cream vending truck in the Cambridge community on weekends and evenings, while working in various pharmacy clerk positions during the day. 

In 1970, after many challenges, he purchased the property and soon opened the first and only African-American owned pharmacy at 407-409 Concord Ave in Cambridge. Out of love for the community he served, he operated both the pharmacy and the vending truck for decades until well past the normal retirement age.

He leaves this phase of life with cherished memories of community, dreams fulfilled, and family (children: Emory (deceased), Xonna, Ellingston (Karen), Eugene (Alicia), Donatilda (deceased); grandchildren: Brandon (Chanelle), Karel, Kayla; great grandchild Jaylen; remaining siblings: Alton (Phyllis) of NJ, Wilma, Marcus (Ethel); and a host of other loved relatives, friends, and supporters.

Emory had requested a small simple service, so to honor his request, there will be a burial site service at Mt. Auburn cemetery, followed by a modest celebration of life at the location of his dream- his pharmacy.
 

FUNERAL SERVICE

(Military and Mason Salute)

Monday, September 13, 2021

Arrive to front entrance gate by 10:45AM

Mt Auburn Cemetery

580 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 

(Pull into front entrance gate and let security know you have arrived for the Emory Clark service)

CELEBRATION OF LIFE (Following after the Service)

Monday, September 13, 2021

1:00PM

Site of Emory’s Pharmacy

407 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA

Xonnabel, his wife, loves plants and gardening, so if you would like to send a condolence gift in celebration of a life well lived, please send a live plant to 413 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
 

TO PARTICIPATE BY ZOOM, PLEASE CLICK BELOW:

11:00AM-11:45AM estimate:

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Meeting ID: 899 4429 8671 Passcode: 622015

1PM-2PM estimate: 

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