PROGRAMS . . . 
Building Community Through Story & Service

Community Programs & Conversations
While we are still developing formal programs, our doors and minds are wide open to create new opportunities for learning, discussion, and community growth.

The Video presentation shown below is merely one example of programs that we love presenting.   In this video, on July 26, 2022, Wilkie S. Frieson, Grandson of Wilkie & Hattie Clark, speaks to local youth group in Roanoke, Alabama.  

NARRATIVE:
In this video, Wilkie Sherard Frieson, Co-Owner, and Alabama Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer, speaks to local youth about careers in funeral service.   This career exploration "outing" was facilitated by Mrs. Kelley Phillips of Roanoke, Alabama, CEO of Bridging The Gap Community Services.   The outing involved taking the youth to visit several community resources, in order to explore careers in various fields.   

Wilkie Sherard Frieson is the co-owner of Clark Memorial Funeral Service, and currently serves as the Managing Funeral Director and Embalming Manager for the facility.

He has been an Alabama licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1999, when at age 19, he graduated with honors from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, and returned home from Decatur, Georgia to assist his mother in running the company.

Sherard is the son of Mrs. Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson and the late Clarence Frieson, Jr., and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilkie Clark.   He is also the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence and Cora (Ogden) Frieson, and the late Mrs. Betty Morton Frieson.  He is married to the former Jacqueline Johnson a native of Roanoke.

Sherard was born into and grew up in and around the Funeral Home Business, and started working at 12 years of age.  As a toddler, he followed his grandfather, Wilkie Clark around the funeral home, and learned to be comfortable in the mortuary environment.

He is a 1997 graduate of Handley High School, Roanoke, Alabama, and a graduate of Southern Union State Community College, where he earned An Associate Degree in Science.

Sherard is an extreme "Computer Geek", and is an expert at building powerful computing systems from the ground up.   For this reason, he has overseen of all of the IT requirements for Clark Memorial Funeral Service since he was in Jr. High School.    In his spare time, he has also enjoyed mechanics and restoring classic cars although limited time often prevents him from fully engaging in this hobby.

Executive Producer:  Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
Our vision is to host:
  • Educational workshops: for youth, students, and teachers.
  • Guest lectures & roundtables: on local civil rights history, economic empowerment, and community organizing.
  • Church & community forums: to connect today’s generations with the lessons of the past.
  • Seasonal gatherings: to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage.

Right now, we do this one conversation at a time. We invite pastors, educators, civic leaders, and neighbors to bring their ideas — and we’ll do the rest.

Interested in starting a program or partnering with us?
We’re ready. Whether it’s a youth history day, a storytelling evening, or a roundtable with local leaders — we’re here to help make it happen.
🤝 Let’s plan together: CONTACT US
📞 Call us to talk ideas: (334) 863-4885
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Help us turn the Clark Historic Landmark Site into a living classroom — for stories that must be told and voices that must be heard.