Lori Jo Clark

Lori Jo (Wilson) Clark, of Niceville, Florida, went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 2, 2026, surrounded by her adoring family, and comforted in prayer. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 11, 1961, she was raised in a family that moved around the globe.

After returning to Florida as a young woman and graduating from Choctawhatchee High School in 1980, she moved on to a successful career in cosmetology and a shiny Yamaha motorcycle that she rode everywhere.

Lori Jo met Matt Clark in 1985, were married soon after, moved to Helen, Georgia, where their first child, daughter Shana, was born. Lori Jo loved the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where they stayed and had their second child, Jonathan. Life circumstances eventually brought them back to Niceville, where their youngest son, Chandler, was born, and the Clark family established deep roots. Due to Lori Jo’s diligence and financial discipline, they were able to save enough over to the years to build their dream home themselves and fill it with many cherished memories.

Lori Jo loved exploring the hidden corners of her home state of Florida and had a special fondness for the hilly country north of I-10, where she and Matt owned timber land, of which she was very proud. She often talked about building a home there in the country and spending her remaining years among the pines.

Lori Jo’s God-given talent for working with people soon led her to a job at which she excelled: Regional Sales Representative for Bill Miller Photographers. She spent her career helping families create enduring memories of their life’s milestones. She spent 29 years with Bill Miller Photographers, creating lifelong friendships in the company and in the local school system. Her plan was to retire in the coming months.

Lori Jo loved animals, she cherished nature, and relished adventure, but above all, she loved caring for people. Her life was defined by the comfort she offered to suffering souls, and her legacy will be the innumerable lives which were changed by her affection and care, usually without anyone else knowing. Her impact on her family and community will be felt for generations to come.

She is preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her father-in-law Duke Clark, brother-in-law Jonathan, and many beloved friends.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Matt; her children, Shana, Jon, and Chandler; her parents, Gary and Shirley Wilson; her brothers, Randy (Lisa) and Milton Wilson; her sister, Lori Goodwin (Greg); mother-in-law Dorothy Clark; nieces, Rachel and Morgan; nephews, Gabe, Cody, and Skye; her cherished pets, Marley and Smokers; and a myriad of loving friends.

A memorial service will be held at her beloved Manna Church (506 FL-85 Niceville, FL 32578) on Saturday, January 10th, where all who knew and loved Lori Jo are welcome to attend. Visitation for friends and family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with the memorial service beginning at 2:00 PM. Pastor Chris Shennick will officiate.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at HCA Fort Walton Beach ICU, who reminded us in a gentle way that loving is sometimes letting go.

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