Jannie Mae Gardner was born on October 31, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to Emma Dennis and Ruby Davis who both preceded her in death. She was later adopted and raised by Walter Clark, Jr., and sister Rose Clark, Ruby Miller, and Barbara McDowell preceded her in death.
Jannie accepted Christ and joined New True Vine M.B. Church in September 1959. She served faithfully on the Usher Board, mostly recently as President until she retired in December 2014. She also worked in numerous of ministries that involved helping others and sharing the gospel of Christ. She loved fellowship and worship with other believers.
Jannie graduated from DuSable High School in 1966 and Daley Collage with an Associate in Child Development. She worked for Stagg Elementary as a teacher Assistant for more then 20 years until her retirement in August 2012. Working with "her babies" at the school was her passion.
Jannie was always full of life and loved spending time with her family. She was known by many as an adopted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, aunt, giver, woman with a heart of gold, and most important a faithful servant of Christ. She would spread the word of God to her children, grannies and nephews, and all she came in contact with.