Mae Clark Orr, 90 of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020 at her residence. She was a native Charlottean and the sixth child of the late Booker T. and Odessa Clyburn Clark.  She was a lifelong member of Second Calvary Baptist Church.  "Mae Frances," as she was lovingly called as a child, was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System and received her Bachelor of Science from Johnson C. Smith University in health education and physical education.  She earned a Master of Science from North Carolina Central University in physical education and furthered her education in business at other universities in North Carolina.

Mae's career was dedicated to serving others as her favorite scripture instructs, "To whom much is given, much is required."  She served as the first African American executive secretary for Sidney Gilbert Company, a Rhode Island-based textile firm.  As an educator, she served as department head of health and physical education at Blue Ridge High School in Seneca, South Carolina, taught courses at Voorhess Junior College in Denmark, South Carolina, and ultimately became a teacher of science, health and physical education in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for thirty years.

Mae taught her daughter, Teresa and three granddaughters (Tarryn, Shannon, and Keaghlan) to love unconditionally and help others with their unique gifts from God.  Her great-grandson, "JonJon," was a source of exceeding joy and hope for the future.  She was affectionately known as the vivacious "Grandmere" to her grands.  Every person she touched felt they were welcomed to call on her in times of challenge or cheer.

She owned and operated the Omni Gift Shoppe, which served the westside of Charlotte for twenty years.  Some of her proudest contributions to her community include co-founding the West Charlotte High School Alumni Association, sewing dresses made from pillowcases for young girls in Liberia, Africa, serving as a past National President of Charms Incorporated, and working in multiple ministries at Second Calvary, which included the Senior Citizen's Ministry which she co-founded with fellow church leaders.

Mae was a proud member of civic and social organizations where she joyously fellowshipped with many beloved friends. They included the West Charlotte High School Alumni Association, Charms Incorporated, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Red Cross, Omnia Bona Club, A Child's Place, Northwood Estates Neighborhood Association, and The Original Divas.  Her leadership, courage, and spirit of charismatic humility leave a legacy to galvanize generations of God's children.   She loved high heels and fashion, arts and crafts, writing witty words, and believed in being kind to everyone she encountered.

She leaves to cherish fond memories: her daughter, Teresa Simmons (Charles); three granddaughters. Tarryn Lael Simmons, Shannon Simmons, and Keaghlan Simmons; one great-grandson, Jonathan Hartsfield, Jr.; one sister, Thereasea C. Elder, all of Charlotte, North Carolina.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Booker T. and Odessa Clyburn Clark; three brothers, James Henry, Carlyle and Albert Lloyd; 3 sisters, Lorese, Oguriette and Darwin Elizabeth, all of Charlotte, North Carolina.  She will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other family friends.