Key Takeaways
- Leo Cullum Clark was the oldest and only brother of five sisters.
- Jacqueline Lenita is Leo’s only biological sister.
- His other four sisters were born from his mother, Mattie Moss Clark’s, second marriage to Elder Elbert Clark.
Leo Cullum Clark, who passed away on February 9, 2025, was the oldest and only brother of five sisters: Jacqueline Lenita, Denise Darchell, Dorinda Grace, Elbernita Dionne, and Karen Valencia.
Born on June 16, 1944, Leo Henry Cullum Jr. was the son of Leo Henry Cullum Sr. and Mattie Moss Clark.
Jacqueline Lenita is Leo’s only biological sister.
His other four sisters were born to his mother, Mattie, and her second husband, Elder Elbert Clark.
Their mother, Mattie Moss Clark, was the Church of God in Christ’s International Minister of Music.
She taught her children to sing together in their father’s church, eventually creating the iconic gospel group The Clark Sisters, with Jacqueline and her sisters.
Mattie Moss Clark, an American gospel choir director, was the longest-serving International Minister of Music for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and the proud mother of The Clark Sisters, a celebrated gospel vocal group.
Jacqueline Lenita, born on December 29, 1948, is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and licensed practical nurse.
She is best known as the eldest member of the American gospel singing group “The Clark Sisters.”
She released her first solo album, “Expectancy,” on March 29, 2005, followed by “Jacky?” in 2023, and an EP titled “My Season/On My Mind” in 2018.
Denise Darchell, born on September 10, 1953, is also a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer.
She is an original member of “The Clark Sisters” and has been honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
After leaving the group in 1986, she began her own ministry in California.
After a four-year hiatus, her last contribution to the group was the release of the “Heart & Soul” album.
Elbernita Clark, known professionally as Twinkie Clark-Terrell, was born on November 15, 1954.
She is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, musician, and evangelist.
Often called the “Mother of Contemporary Gospel Music,” she possesses a five-octave vocal range.
Her studio albums include “Praise Belongs to God” (1979), “Ye Shall Receive Power” (1981), “Comin’ Home” (1992), “The Masterpiece” (1986), “With Humility” (2011), “The Generations” (2020), and “Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark” (2023).
Dorinda Grace, known professionally as Dorinda Clark-Cole, was born on October 19, 1957. She is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, musician, talk show host, and evangelist.
As a member of “The Clark Sisters,” she has won two Grammy Awards. She is widely recognized in the music industry as the Rose of Gospel Music.
Throughout her career, she has released albums such as “Dorinda Clark-Cole” (2002), “Live From Houston: The Rose of Gospel” (2005), “Take It Back” (2008), “I Survived” (2011), “Living It” (2015), and “Determined” (2024).
Karen Valencia Clark Sheard, born on November 15, 1960, is an American gospel singer and songwriter.
She is the youngest member of “The Clark Sisters,” which was formed in 1973. She is also the mother of contemporary gospel singer and actress Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, with whom she frequently collaborates.
Throughout her career, she has released albums such as “Finally Karen” (1997), “2nd Chance” (2002), “The Heavens Are Telling” (2003), “It’s Not Over” (2006), “All in One” (2010), “Destined to Win” (2015), and “Still Karen” (2024).
The Cullum siblings shared a close bond before Leo’s passing. Following his death, the Facebook page “thelegendaryclarksisters” posted:
According to his obituary, it reads:
Leo was immensely proud of his sisters. His love for us was unwavering and he celebrated our achievements with a heart full of joy. He was our biggest fan, always cheering us on with enthusiasm and pride. As we remember Leo today, let us carry forth his vibrant spirit, his love of music and the cherished memories we created together. He will forever hold a place in his hearts.
Via Legacy
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his son, Todd; five sisters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, saints, and friends who mourn his passing yet celebrate his legacy of love and laughter.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Leo Cullum Clark was exceptionally skilled at playing the piano.
