Catherine Clark

Catherine (Ricki) Burnett Clark passed peaceably in her sleep on Monday December 18, 2023. She was 78 years old. Born to Richard L. Burnett and Clara Catherine Cecelia Helmick Burnett on December 29,1944 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Preceded in death by her mother Clara Burnett, Richard Burnett, and sister Betty Lou (Punkin) Clark, (Reber) Survived by children Walter Smith, (Holly), Richard Clark, special family member, Rhonda Hutson, Grandchildren Blain Floyd, (Nick), Jessica Whitley, (Will), Jordan Smith, (Kenisha), Great Grandchildren, Maddie Floyd, Dylan Floyd, Walker Whitley, Wyatt Whitley, and Nevaeh Smith, sister Nancy Poggi, (Luis) and beloved nieces and nephews, Jay, Luis, Sasha Christy, Aiden, Liam, Carlton Jones, Cheryl Tripp, Reber Clark, & Stephanie. Ricki grew up enjoying spending time at the beach, surf fishing, and sharing adventures with her two older sisters making a lifetime of memories in Wilmington, North Carolina. She shared an apartment with sister Nancy for years and she was the boss, always knowing what she wanted and finding a way to make it successful. She was a wonderful person all around. Upon graduating from New Hanover High School in 1962, Ricki attended Cape Fear Community College receiving her nursing degree. She started her nursing career at New Hanover Memorial Hospital and proudly served as a nurse in Wilmington for 51 years. Ricki always made sure that her sons knew about the Lord first, and how much she loved them. She was always a patient teacher. She was their biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. No matter what activity, no matter how busy her schedule, no matter how far the drive, she always was there to support and encourage her boys to aim for the stars and give their very best. Ricki loved to cook. She was always ready to make your favorite dish. Her kitchen was where she was the happiest. Ricki earned her greatest title as “Ricki-GG” as she was blessed with four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, with another to arrive shortly. Ricki was a faithful member of Lake Forest Baptist Church. Ricki’s life revolved around serving the Lord, serving her community and always being a “caretaker and protector”, affectionately known as our Mrs. Wonderful and Mrs. Resilient. She was a woman that believed in giving a helping hand and not a handout and everyone deserved a second chance until they proved otherwise. She always tried to put people at ease and love to make people happy. She had an amazing sense of humor and loved a good joke. Ricki will be greatly missed. Our many wonderful memories of her will always bring a smile to our faces and comfort to our hearts. She has been reunited with her family and friends who have gone before. What a glorious reunion! Special thanks to friend Karen Wilmouth and niece Cheryl Tripp Services in celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Catherine Clark

December 29, 1944 - December 18, 2023