I am a Black male. As a young educator, new to gifted education in the late 70s, I met Dr. Clark during a professional learning event she conducted in Arkansas. At that time I was struggling regarding fully committing to the gifted education field because of the field’s lack of diversity and genuine outreach to children of color.  Dr. Clark was an instrumental force in convincing me to move forward in the field simply because of her personality and message. Over the years, I was blessed to have recurring meetings with her.  I will always credit her messages about essential elements in our field that helped me confirm and affirm my continued participation in it.  I will miss her perspectives and personality. 

Barbara was a dear friend for more than 40 years.  We met at Cal State LA when I was a student working on my degree and employed in the Special Ed department as a student assistant.   I was always in awe of her work ethic, devotion to gifted students everywhere, and her incredible professionalism.  She could also be wickedly funny.  We enjoyed our shopping trips and dining adventures.  I loved her dearly - never more so than during her last years as she struggled with the challenges of her illness.  She managed that with such grace and dignity; wanting to make it alright for her loved ones - particularly her beloved husband Terry.  Their mutual devotion was inspirational and always touching.

My deepest condolences to my friend Terry and Barbara’s family.  Will always miss her.

I am saddened to learn of Barbara's passing.  We became special friends when together we organized the first successful joint national and state accreditation of the CSULA Charter School of Education.  Over many hours of lunches and office meetings, I came to know her as  a gifted colleague and  special human being, who brought her intellect,  care about our work, and often conversations about our families and experiences.  She was amazing.  I treasure the time I enjoyed an evening at her home  together with Terry and had the opportunity to see his fabulous garden. Although we exchanged Christmas messages for several years after my retirement, my own infirmities intervened.  I extend my heartfelt  sympathies to Terry and to you, her family, with the message that I was so honored to know her.  She was the best there is,

With great affection  for her and in sorrow,

Evalyn Dearmin
Carson City, Nevada

Barbara and I were the closest of friends for 65 years. 
I have missed her friendship and positivism since her move to Idaho but I know that she so enjoyed being with Vanessa and Terry there.
Thank you for sharing her obituary. 
All best to her husband Terry Clark.
I have her CAG picture on my mantel and am missing her so much.
She was an extremely special part of my life. Also all best to daughter Vanessa and son Mark, four granddaughters and one grandson.
Chris Hoehner
Santa Barbara, CA




On January 2nd my step mom, Dr. Barbara Clark, peacefully passed away. She will be missed by all who knew her especially my dad who had been married to her for 48 years, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had such a distinguished career from being a host and teaching pre-school children on the TV show Romper Room to getting her Ed.D. in Gifted Education from the University of California, LA.  Dr. Barbara Clark was a Professor Emeritus, of the Charter College of Education, Cal State University, LA. During her tenure at the university, she provided leadership to the credential and degree programs in gifted education. She was named Cal State University, LA Outstanding Professor and on two occasions nominated for Cal State Universities and Colleges Trustees Award for Statewide Outstanding Professor.

Dr. Clark is the author of the widely used text, Growing Up Gifted, now in the 8th edition and has chapters in numerous books.

Dr. Clark has served as the President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and was on the Board of Directors and a Past President of the California Association for the Gifted.

Dr. Clark was a recognized scholar in the state, national, and international communities and has presented major addresses and workshops throughout the United States, and in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, England, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and Thailand. In 2001, an international scholarship was established in her name by the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children.

Her awards include the International Distinguished Service Award from the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children in 2003, the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association for Gifted Children in 1997, and the Ruth Martinson Award from the California Association.

Most importantly, above her distinguished career, she was a devoted wife, parent, and grandparent.

OBITUARY

Barbara Jean Clark

November 4, 1931 – January 2, 2021

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