Phyllis Clark, Constant and Faithful for 100 Years

Phyllis Clark did not want any attention or a fancy celebration for her 100th birthday.

However, family and friends felt differently. They treated Phyllis to a chartered bus ride through the Northland area, fish and chips—New Zealanders’ favourite meal—on Paihia beach and a reception celebrating this significant milestone with 200 community and church friends in attendance.

Son, Perry, describes Phyllis as “A constant, one who has never faltered but has been faithful in her devotion to family, Church and community.”

Phyllis attributes her wonderful life to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. She reflects, “The inspired teachings in The Church of Jesus Christ have directed my life, giving me guidelines on what to do and not to do when making decisions.”

Perry recounted, “When we were children, every morning before school, my mother would share stories from the Book of Mormon. We prayed together as a family and prayed together at mealtimes.

“She has lived the gospel every day. She has never faltered,” Perry said.

At age 70, Phyllis accepted a call to lead the Church’s local Young Women’s organisation, which help girls 11–18 years to learn about and live the gospel of Jesus Christ and increase their faith in Him.

At age 100, Phyllis continues to minister to the women in her congregation with love, devotion, and support. She is loved and cherished by all.

Phyllis encourages people to be strong in living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. She says, “Even if you think it is hard to live the gospel, keep doing it. Keep going.”

Phyllis was born and raised in Maromaku, Northland New Zealand. Colin Clark, Phyllis’s late husband, lived nearby. They were married by President Matthew Cowley in the Maromaku meetinghouse on 4 January 1945.

Colin opened an auto mechanic garage called Clark’s Garage and drove the local school bus. When Clark’s Garage became busy, Colin could not spare the time to drive the school bus, so Phyllis stepped up to help. She continued to drive the school bus for the next 40 years.

Phyllis said, “The children have become an addition to my own family. I would see them every day, until they completed grade six and went onto high school. They called me ‘Auntie Phyl’. I still keep in touch with some of them today.”

Many generations have been blessed by the love of Phyllis Clark and her example of faith and hard work.