Miriam Breneman Clark

Miriam Eilene Breneman Clark

September 27, 1935- June 23, 2026

Miriam Breneman Clark of Fairhope Alabama (formally Madisonville, KY and Bloomington, IN) passed away surrounded by love on June 23, 2026.

Born on September 27, 1935 in Hamilton, Ohio, Miriam and her family relocated to Bloomington, Indiana where she completed her high school education and subsequently attended and graduated from Indiana University (IU). While at IU, Miriam earned a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and a Minor in English. She was an active Tri Delta sorority member. With both of her parents being IU graduates and her father being a beloved IU Zoology Professor, Bloomington and IU held a special place in her heart. At IU, she met a wonderful medical student and baseball player, and even though he was two hours late for their first date because he couldn’t find her house, he would win her heart and hand. Miriam would marry Gerald Clark in April 1957, and she supported him as he pursued his medical degree. An early highlight in their marriage was an unexpected trip to New York to advance Jerry’s medical education. While there, Miriam focused her attention on the popular game show “The Price is Right.” She bought a ticket, and was picked from the audience to be a contestant. Winning the first round, she advanced to the showcase and won it all! A car, a dining room, and other items- gifts that their growing family needed and were excited to receive. The union of Miriam and Dr. Gerald Clark, MD would grow to include 4 children, and the couple shared 63 years of marriage defined by family, faith, and service.

Miriam’s family was her joy. As the mother of four active children, she spent many hours attending baseball and t-ball games, swim meets, golf tournaments and shopping with the girls. She also hosted numerous Halloween parties at their home. Miriam loved building a beautiful and fun-filled home. Using her creative talents and interest in antiques, she restored an antique soda fountain (much to Jerry’s surprise) for their game room, stocked it with treats, and made it a favorite family and neighborhood gathering place. In addition, Miriam co-owned and operated Mama’s Closet Craft Store in downtown Madisonville. She was an active member of Madisonville First United Methodist Church, where she assisted with many vacation Bible school and church events. Miriam and Jerry were passionate about their service to the medical community. After moving to Madisonville in 1967 for Jerry to begin his career in Ophthalmology at the Trover Clinic, Miriam and Jerry were committed to its mission and were deeply entrenched in their support and growth of their regional medical community. While Jerry was busy with his medical profession, he valued Miriam’s role as a mother and her fierce devotion to her family. Dr. Clark often said, “her kids have been her life.”

In 2016, Miriam and Jerry relocated to Fairhope, Alabama. (Though they always remained Hoosiers at heart!) In this last decade, Miriam continued to live a life filled with new adventures, joy, and love. She was loved by family members and friends for her vivacious spirit and energy, often saying, “hold on to all that is good.”

Miriam is survived by her daughters Dr. Kathy Clark (Marcus Zillman), Beverly Clark, and sons David Clark (Melinda) and Michael Clark (fiancée Jenny Manor-Pittenger). Grandchildren include: Bryan Stewart (Laura), Melissa Beavers (Zachary), Dr. Kyle Hawkins (Dr. Rose), Savannah Clark, Katie Clark, Tiffany Griffin, and Olivia Goodwin. Great-grandchildren include: Cooper and Caleb Stewart; Jaycee, Magnolia and Ember Beavers and Elsie Hawkins. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Miriam was predeceased by her beloved husband Dr. Gerald Clark, MD; her father, Dr. William Breneman and her mother, Mary Alice Petty Breneman; and her brothers Dr. Bill Breneman and Dr. Bruce Breneman.

The family wishes to thank Dr. John McDuff and nurse Tamara Dowdy for their extraordinary medical care and friendship. With grateful appreciation, the family recognizes the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Thomas Hospital that took wonderful care of Miriam during her final days. Thanks are also extended to Ann Pearson of First United Methodist Church of Fairhope for supporting Miriam and the family with daily prayer visits during her most recent hospitalization. Miriam was also incredibly blessed by her special caregiver and dear friend, Connie Tanner, who brought joy, care, and fun to Miriam in her later years.

A private family funeral will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Trover Clinic Nursing Scholarship. Attention: Baptist Health Foundation, 200 Clinic Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431.

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