CMSgt. Gloria J. Clark

CLARK, Chief Master Sergeant Gloria Jean, age 76, made her way to heaven on Sunday, June 30, 2024 in Baltimore, MD.  

Chief Gloria Clark was born on November 28, 1947 in Baltimore, MD. Preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Evelyn Clark, and her brother Bill Clark. She is survived by her siblings, Bob Clark, Diane Dennis, Carol Gosnell, and Brenda Ayres; her children, John Schafer IV and Jeanne Bosley; her daughter-in-law, Janette Schafer; her grandchildren, Monica Schafer, John “Johnny” Schafer V, and Cody Dillon; her great-grandchild, Linden Schafer, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

She graduated in June 1965 from Patterson Senior High School in Baltimore, MD and immediately began a career in civil service. That same year, she became an employee with the Social Security Administration and served that section for 7 years. On 18 March 1973, she began her civilian career working for the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG) as a full-time finance and accounting civil service employee, GS-5. On 3 October 1979, Chief Clark enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard and began her military career as a traditional guardsman. Within a year, she was promoted to a GS-6 position in the accounting department. By 1981, Chief Clark was promoted to a GS-7 position and became MDANG’s first full-time female supervisor. Over the next 20 years, her dedication and servitude forwarded her career to attain the rank of Chief Master Sergeant on 3 November 2000. Chief Clark retired as the 175th Financial Management NCO on 31 October 2007 after over 34 years of service within the Maryland Air National Guard. Her numerous military decorations, nominations, and honors commend her outstanding performance and dedication during her time of service. 

CMSgt Gloria Clark has the distinguished position as being the first female Chief Master Sergeant in the 175th Financial Management section. 

Chief Clark lived a life of service both on and off the base. She loved to volunteer and give back to her community. To know her was to know love and respect, as she showed nothing but love and respect to others. She was extremely family-oriented, and wanted nothing more than spending time with those she loved. From hosting holiday gatherings, planning family birthdays, and providing support for many other events, Chief Clark made it a priority to bring everyone together. Chief Clark was an amazing mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. When she was not with family, she was with her beloved companion, Ed Clark, travelling the world and enjoying every minute of her retirement. She loved playing cards with friends, attending bunco, and the Red Hat Society events. Her life was nothing short of amazing, full of service, full of love, and full of gratitude. 

A public viewing will be held of Connelly Funeral Home of Essex, 300 Mace Ave. on Friday, July 5th from 2 PM to 4 PM and from 6 PM to 8 PM. A funeral service will begin at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in CMSgt. Gloria Clark's name to Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org/

Interment will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:00 am at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.