Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson is a retired educator, public servant, self-published author, entrepreneur and PROUD Democrat. She is also a former newspaper publisher and co-editor. View linkedin profile at: www.linkedin.com/in/caclarkfrieson; OR better still, visit my LinkTree and/or my Link-In-Bio.
An “only child” of the 1950’s, I am the daughter (and only child) of the late Wilkie & Hattie Lee (Peters) Clark. My early education began at a historically black school in Roanoke, Alabama — the community where I grew up, known as The Randolph County Training School ("RCTS"), later transferring to Handley High School during the difficult desegregation era.
I graduated with the Handley High School Class of 1971 – the first class to graduate after the closing of R.C.T.S. by a Federal Court Order. My first 2 years of college, I chose to remain near home, graduating from Southern Union State Community College. From there I transferred to Auburn University, where the highlight of my time there was being initiated (along with 9 other young women) thus establishing Auburn’s first black women’s sorority [Kappa Upsilon Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta National Service Sorority (“K-OOP Deltas”)] on Auburn’s campus.
As a child, I was “baptized” into the Civil Rights Movement by my father. I’ve been a life-long member/supporter of the N.A.A.C.P., which my father vigorously and enthusiastically led for 40 years (more or less). I served in almost every capacity, including President for several terms after daddy’s death.
I have been “rooted and grounded” in Methodism all my life. Throughout life, however, I served many local churches as a Minister Of Music: St. Paul, First Baptist, Wehadkee, Mount Carrie (Franklin), and my beloved church home, Bethel United Methodist Church. I remain a Methodist as far as my religious philosophy and belief. But in general I’m a Christian who respects ALL MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS, including the teachings of Islam, Buddhism, whatever. Who am I to judge?
I married the late Clarence Frieson, Jr. (a Tuscaloosa native); the result was two handsome children: Wilkie and Je’Lynn; and later two grandchildren: James (27) and Kynnedy (12), and Khaleel, (4 Months). At the age of 39, I was widowed April 15, 1993, when my young husband (43) passed away suddenly with no warning. So I have remained single. (Married to my community and my business).
I received both a BS and M.Ed from Auburn University, which prepared me to work in the field of public education. During my education career, I taught extensively in the West GA area (Hogansville City, LaGrange City, Troup County; and finally in the Private Sector at a Residential Treatment (Psychoeducational) Center) in LaGrange. I specialized in teaching children with emotional/behavioral disorders, and Specific Learning Disabilities.
I hold a Technical Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Decatur, Georgia. Additionally I am an Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer; as well as Alabama Licensed Insurance Professional in the Life and Health Lines and Preneed Sales Agent At Clark Memorial. Also I 0was recently named the Managing Director for Unity Mortuary in Valley, Alabama, by the family of a dear friend and colleague, the late Mr. Clayton Gibson, Jr. who passed in December of 2022.
In Nov. 1988, I successfully campaigned and was elected to the Randolph County Board of Education, an office I held for 18 years (until 2006). 2018 Ran for State Representative for Alabama House District 37 – AND LOST!
The true delight and joy of my life, however, has been working in my community as a Civil Rights and Social Activist while serving our community as a Funeral Service Practitioner (since age 14) operating my parents Company, Clark Memorial Funeral Service, for a total of 56 YEARS. At this point in time, I have continued this Mortuary practice several decades longer than my father did. We have maintained this operation 34 years since his passing.
As a result of my community service, I have been the recipient of many local and regional honors and awards.
With the help of extended family and friends, we published “The People’s Voice” the first black weekly newspaper publication from 2005 – 2009. This publication was circulated widely and well-received throughout East Alabama and West Georgia.
The LAST thing I have worked on — still an ongoing project is (April, 2020) successfully nominating Clark Funeral Home as an Alabama Historic Landmark Site. This history-rich location, has been designated as a HIstorica Landmark, and added to the Alabama Register Of Landmarks and Heritage.
We successfully erected and unveiled our State Commissioned Historic Marker for the site, on March 8, 2025, and established an education program whereby we will use this distinction to educate communities about the lives and legacies of Wilkie and Hattie Peters Clark; as a means of encouraging a sense of social responsibility in contemporary youth. ===============================================================My LinkTree: https://www.linktr.ee/caclarkfrieson
Link-In-Bio: https://www.lnk.bio/caclarkfrieson
My Personal Profile: https://caclarkfrieson.link
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