Fordelma Mae Skipper

Fordelma Mae Skipper was born on February 20, 1937, in Princeton, West Virginia, to Willie Clark Sr. and Clarie Clark. She grew up in Princeton and Bluefield, West Virginia, surrounded by siblings and extended family who shaped her early years with love and resilience.

In her earlier years, Fordelma, who had a keen sense of fashion modeled in national magazines later marrying James Herman Skipper. Together they began a journey of family devotion. Fordelma embraced her role as a wife and mother wholeheartedly. Raising three children—Michael, Shelby, and Stephen—first in New York and then later in Willingboro, New Jersey. Fordelma dedicated herself to building a nurturing home where she loved to cook and entertain the entire extended family. Her life’s work was her family. She enjoyed reading the daily newspaper in the morning, doing her “Jumble” word puzzles, and watching her favorite TV programs Wheel of Fortune and Court TV.

Fordelma’s favorite flowers were yellow roses. Known for sending birthday cards to all of the family, she was a woman of quiet strength, steady faith, and enduring love. Whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, or gentle encouragement, Fordelma made her presence known in simple but powerful ways. Her children remember her as a guiding light; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will carry forward the lessons of love, kindness, and perseverance she instilled in each of them.

Fordelma was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Clark Sr. and Clarie Clark; and her siblings Alma Macon, Loretta Tindley, Conrad Lawson, Clara Ruth Pruitt, Willie Clark, Jr., and Morris Clark.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children Michael; Shelby (Jamie Ingram); and Stephen (Susan Skipper); her cherished sisters Ollie Fripps, Betty Rivas, and Judith Alex; her treasured grandchildren, Michael Jr., Sheena, Jason, David, Stevie, Sheree, Shantae, Xavier, and her beloved great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life well lived. Her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, and her memory will continue to guide and comfort us.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”