Renda Clark

HOUMA, La. -- Renda Kay Clark -- formerly Renda Kay Schlitt, born to Betty and John Schlitt in November 1952 in Cape Girardeau -- passed away peacefully Thursday, May 14, 2020, at home in Louisiana at the age of 67.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Wayne Clark, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life; devoted daughter, Dr. Cheri Clark Hemelt; son-in-law, Dr. Brent Hemelt; and four lovely grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Taylor and Anna of New Orleans.

Being creative and adventurous, she was a self-taught seamstress and chef. She made scores of beautiful porcelain dolls she often gave as gifts. She tried out many jobs, including secretary, bank teller, model and mail carrier, but finally followed her dream of becoming a flight attendant. She became an outstanding flight attendant for Delta Airlines, working for the company for more than a dozen years. She radiated and exuded confidence and poise as she traveled much of the world, having been based in Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston and Newark, New Jersey.

She hung up her flight attendant hat after more than a dozen years as Wayne took on the lead role of production manager in Malaysia for ExxonMobil, and they moved overseas. They embarked on a continuous adventure to see and travel the world together.

A whole new world awaited her, as her role was social and diplomatic, serving alongside her husband meeting, dining and attending parties with the king and queen of Malaysia and other such dignitaries. She had the opportunity to travel to Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and most of the world during their five years in Malaysia.

Their adventure continued as Renda became the "First Lady," when Wayne took an assignment as president of ExxonMobil in Equatorial Guinea, Africa. They were in Africa for five years and had many meals with the president and his wife. They entertained dignitaries and hosted numerous dinner parties. She volunteered in the villages and taught French at the local schools.

After having traveled the world, Renda and Wayne eventually moved back to Houston and retired. They recently moved to Louisiana to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. Renda loved hosting holidays at her house, going by limousine to local restaurants for supper, going to the Saenger Theater and going to concerts. She loved getting dressed up and wearing hats to high tea at the Windsor Court with her family. She loved to play games like Monopoly or dominoes with her grandchildren.

Renda had a great spirit and was always up for the next adventure. There was almost nothing she couldn't do, and nothing she wouldn't try. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by her dear friends and loved ones.

Renda is the second of six children and is survived by her mother, Betty (Doyle) Schlitt Dumas, and by her siblings, Ron (Pandora) Schlitt, Rick (Jane) Schlitt, R.J. Schlitt and John (Beth) Schlitt; two aunts, Della Darling and Susan Lee; and two uncles: Monsignor Harry Schlitt and John Reynolds; and many cousins.

Her father, John Schlitt, and brother, Roger Schlitt, preceded her in death.

The Clark, Schlitt and Hemelt families will hold visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. June 19 at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be held June 20 at a place and time to be determined. Monsignor Harry Schlitt, her uncle, will be presiding over the prayers and celebration.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home will have more information as it becomes available.

Her final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.