Danny Robinson Clark

July 14, 1937 - February 21, 2022

Danny Robinson Clark, Sr. was born on July 14, 1937 in Jonestown, Mississippi to the union of Rev. Samuel, Sr. and Daisy L. Clark, who both preceded him in death. Danny graduated as the valedictorian from J.J. Knox High School in Winona, MS; he completed two years of coursework at the University of Minnesota. After uniting in holy matrimony with Mattie Mae Anthony on November 5, 1957, Danny and Mattie briefly moved to Philadelphia, PA before relocating to Minneapolis. Danny worked at the United States Post Office for thirteen years prior to retirement. Danny started playing the guitar for church services while a teenager in Mississippi, and continued to play for the former Graham Temple C.O.G.I.C. (now known as First Church). He also played the piano a little bit, but after the passing of his wife Mattie in 2010, he bought a new piano in her honor (because she loved hearing him play so much), and started taking lessons. Danny participated in annual piano recitals at Schmitt Music Center until the pandemic. Danny acted in more than 50 plays at theaters across the country including the Guthrie in Minneapolis, Goodman in Chicago and ultimately on Broadway (playing the role of Wining Boy in August Wilson’s award-winning play The Piano Lesson). He appeared in 16 educational TV specials, 65 radio specials, commercials and industrial films and made over 200 appearances at educational institutions. Danny recently published his memoir Freedom: Am I Missing Something with the assistance of his daughter Gwendolyn Clark and nephew Stephen Clark. It’s been submitted for Pulitzer Prize consideration. Danny loved his family. He leaves to cherish his loving memory two daughters, Gwendolyn Clark and Cynthia (Clifton) Satterfield; two sons, Danny Clark, Jr. and Stevan Clark; seven grandchildren, Angela Kates, Theresa (Micheal) Moore, Americus Kates, Jr. Terrell Kates, Tashika (Keith) Simpson, Quiana Austell and Serena Satterfield; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; one brother, Sammy (Cornelia) Blackmon; two sisters, Alice Price and Lynn Wade; eleven sisters-in-law, Bertha Griffin, Florence Anthony, Martha Causey, Gloria Bean, Mary Goodwin, Brenda Shepherd, Tanya Anthony, Floreane Anthony, Annette Anthony, Patricia Anthony, Leniece Johnson; ten brothers-in-law, Walter Fairchild, Charles (Barbara) Fairchild, Willie (Dorothy) Fairchild), Handy (Gwendolyn) Peoples, Andrew Peoples, Perry Peoples, Michael Peoples, James (Carolyn) Anthony, J.C. Anthony, Clifton (Adriana) Anthony. Plus a host of other relatives and friends.