Ryan Scott Ottney | Daily Times

Local philanthropist Maycel Clark passed away Thursday. The Clyde and Maycel Clark Foundation has made many generous investments into the local community.

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Ryan Scott Ottney

PDT Staff Writer

Local philanthropist Maycel Clark passed away Thursday evening at the age of 101.

The Clyde and Maycel Clark Foundation has made many generous investments into the local community, including the planetarium and Clark Memorial Library at Shawnee State University, Bigelow Church, Temple Baptist Church, Temple Tots, the Scioto County Welcome Center, the SOMC Hospice, the West Portsmouth Youth Sports Complex and the Clark Athletic Complex of the Portsmouth City Schools.

At age 97, Maycel Clark attended the opening of the Portsmouth City School’s Clyde and Maycel Clark Athletic Complex in 2009 to unveil a plaque engraved with the image of herself and her husband hanging at the entrance.

“My husband, Clyde Clark, was a brilliant businessman who devoted his career to the Portsmouth community. I am delighted, both for myself and in his memory, to give back to our community. I see this development as kind of a rebirth. Perhaps it will help some of our young people to achieve success like Clyde Clark,” Maycel Clark said at the opening.

Portsmouth School Superintendent Scott Dutey was saddened by the news on Friday, and said without the help of the Clyde and Maycel Clark Foundation, the school would not have its new facilities.

“We would never be in the position, facilities-wise, without the generous contributions of her and her family. By creating the foundation, they have left a legacy that will be very difficult to fill. The facilities that have transpired as a result of their contribution will last a lifetime and I know that’s something that she and her husband believed strongly in — creating something for the children of Portsmouth and we’ll never, ever be able to adequately repay or tell them how thankful we are,” Dutey said.

The Clark Foundation also made many contributions to Shawnee State University.

“Maycel was a great friend and supporter of Shawnee State University,” SSU President Rita Rice Morris, said. “The Clark Memorial Library and Clark Planetarium on campus were named through her generosity as a donor to the SSU Development Foundation. Her contributions have enhanced education for thousands of former, current, and future students in our region. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew her.”

Funeral services are under the arrangement of Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg.

Ryan Scott Ottney may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 287, or rottney@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Ryan on Twitter @PDTwriter.