Community Mourns the Loss Of Journalist
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
Thanksgiving Day was bittersweet this year, as the community celebrated their many blessings and mourned the loss of one of the area’s brightest journalists.
The Advance Regional News Editor Deborah Clark passed away peacefully on November 27 while surrounded by her loving family. Deborah loved her continued from page
Wheeler County community and served it well by promoting it through her stories. She had a passion for writing and a devotion to the truth.
Before making her home in Wheeler County, Deborah discovered her passion for writing and teaching others, as she worked as a Community Editor at the Waycross Journal-Herald, news aide at the Washington Post, reporter and city editor at The Brunswick News, and Coordinator of Continuing Education Marketing and Program Development at the College of Coastal Georgia. She perfected her craft throughout these roles, as she learned how to dive deep into complicated subjects and make them easy to understand for readers, and ensure that facts and accuracy were shared while simultaneously treating others with dignity, respect, and compassion.
After moving to Wheeler County with her husband Les, Deborah planted her roots deep within the region. She began sharing the news through stories of success, excellence, and history in her own community. Readers loved Deborah for her detailed and factual reporting, as well as her heartwarming and awe-inspiring storytelling. Many local legends and tales of the past would still remain mysteries if it were not for Deborah’s diligence and passion.
The Advance Publisher William Ledford emphasized that Deborah was a fireball, willing to go the extra mile to get the facts and report the news accurately. “Deborah Clark was a tremendous asset to The Advance. She may have been small in stature, but her writing expertise was enormous. Deborah was a professional, extremely talented journalist who knew the newspaper business, knew how to get the story, and presented it so that readers could easily understand the message she was conveying.”
Throughout the years, she solidified her reputation as not only a voice of truth in the area, but also a pillar of the community. She served as the Secretary for the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce, where she thrived upon helping to grow and support businesses within her hometown. In addition to this, Deborah was very active in her church, helping to lead worship by playing piano, and fellowshipping with others.
Deborah never failed to help those she came in contact with, including fellow journalists, community leaders, and friends. When I joined the newspaper as a novice reporter, Deborah took on a new role: mentor. She worked to teach this young rookie everything she knew about reporting – from how to choose what information was most important to share with readers, to how to mix in enjoyment with the adventures that journalism could inspire.
One of my favorite memories with “Mrs. Deborah” was when we worked on a magazine story together about a Wounded Warriors Retreat quail hunt in Wheeler County. We traveled to a hunting preserve in the County and spent the day listening to veterans’ stories, exploring the property, learning about quail hunting, and just enjoying the moments. We talked a few days later about the time spent at the hunting preserve, and she told me that I would be amazed the exciting adventures that writing could bring me – she was definitely right.
I am so grateful to have learned from her and for all the time we spent together. A lot of what I know about reporting came from things she taught me, or things that she helped me learn by experience with her guidance. I will never forget the kindness and wisdom she poured out to me, and I hope to someday do the same for others.
Though Deborah is remembered as a talented journalist and a passionate community servant, more than anything, she was someone who valued family and friendship. Regardless of the busyness of everyday life, she always made time for those who she loved, and even penciled in time to her busy schedule for simple pleasures, such as gardening.
Deborah leaves behind a legacy of excellence, honesty, and service; her life reminds others of the importance of investing in the community, working hard at your craft, and telling the truth in a world that often likes to blur the lines between honesty and lies. Though she will never be replaced, her legacy will continue to inspire others and touch countless lives.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY – Deborah Clark may have been small in stature, but her impact on the community through her stories and service is mighty.
