Deborah Plass Clark

June 13, 1949 – October 19, 2021

Debbie Clark was born Deborah Ann Plass on June 13, 1949 to parents Forrest Telfer Plass, D.D.S. and Agnes Marie (Breen) in Dubuque, Iowa. She graduated from the Academy of the Visitation in 1967, attended Clarke University, and then joined the Sisters of the Visitation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Before taking her final vows, Debbie reconsidered and decided that what she wanted most was a family of her own.

With her first husband, Debbie had three children who she raised in Denver, Colorado.  During these years, she began her career in retail management to make sure her children had everything they needed. Her exceptionally hard work and caring leadership were an example that still inspires her children and many others.

When Debbie's family expanded to five children she moved with them to Texas to be closer to her mother.  During this time she ran and was part owner of Wings Over Houston flight school at Hooks Airport where she quickly became a friend to anyone she met because of her caring and loving ways.

They say the third time's the charm, and with her marriage to David H. Clark, Debbie found true love. Debbie knew it was a sign of great times to come when David gave her a peach rose (her favorite) when they met for the first time after being set up on a date. They married on May 1, 2000, an anniversary they shared with Debbie's parents. For the next 21 years, Debbie and David had a life filled with love, family, quirky jokes, and pets. David's work took them to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where they lived until 2005. They jumped at the chance to return to Texas when Citgo transferred David back to Houston. Together, they were passionate KU basketball fans and cheered on the team at the many games they traveled to (and from their couch). Debbie became such an intense Jayhawk fan that she would often have to leave the room during close games.

As was characteristic of her tremendous energy, at an age when most think about retirement, Debbie became a flight attendant with Continental Airlines. With her servant's heart, she embodied the best of the old school flight attendant and relished making her passengers' journey more enjoyable. She retired after 11 years.

Debbie treasured her grandchildren and made sure that they were always welcome at Bapa and Mimi's house. She set up a nursey and unabashedly spoiled them. Mimi was called on many times to assist with the grandkids and happily shuttled them to and from school and practices. Overnight visits were especially fun because they often included time at the pool, movies, and trips through the drive-thru. Mimi's special talent was making each of her grandchildren feel unconditionally loved.

Debbie is predeceased by her parents and an infant sister Mary Susan Plass. Debbie's wish when she left the convent came true because she is survived by a large, beautiful and loving family: her husband David, her sister Kathryn Wainwright, her children William Ryan Williams, Amy Castillo (Juan), Trevor Williams (Jennifer Calabrese), the children she raised – Joseph Ryan Mock, Angie Malone-Sailers (Eric), and the children she gained when she married David – Pamela Hicks (Ryan), Matthew Clark (Catherine) and Adam Clark (Amy).  Debbie is survived by 15 grandchildren, who had the best Mimi in the world. The love and care Debbie brought to anyone who was part of her life will impact her family and friends forever.

A service to celebrate Debbie's life is at 10:00 in the morning on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Klein Funeral Home Cy-Fair, 9719 Wortham Boulevard, Houston, Texas.  A graveside service will be held immediately afterward at Klein Memorial Park Cemetery, 14711 Cypress North Houston Road. Debbie didn't wear black and the family asks you to wear colors at the celebration of her vibrant life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Debbie's memory to the Houston SPCA, https://www.houstonspca.org/give/ .