Clark Dale Thomas, affectionately known as Brenda Love, was born on March 24, 1955, in Akron, Ohio to Ernestine Carey. He attended Akron Public Schools and was well known for playing the piano and singing – some said he sounded like Aretha Franklin.

Clark was a nurse aid for 9 years and worked with his mother at her custard stand.

Dale leaves everlasting memories unto the ones who love him. They will recite his famous quotes: “Bless the snap of the finger,” and telling someone that they lie. There are so many stories to tell about Dale/Brenda Love that will continuously have you laughing and crying with remarks, whether good or bad.

Dale was a very outspoken person. He loved to cook and was very cleanly. When his illness took place, he would still try to be independent, as he was a very proud person. Though he had no children, his nieces and nephews filled the gap perfectly. He was especially close to his niece Towanda, who he nicknamed “Tussy,” since they were close in age, she was more like a sibling, but he treated her as a daughter, nonetheless. He couldn’t do any wrong in her eyes.

Dale enjoyed being around his family and friends. He treated his first cousins as another set of siblings, the Stephens family. However, his sister Jackie was his best friend; the two were like Bonnie and Clyde.

If you knew Dale, you knew he had a nickname for all those he loved. His nephews, “Kenny Boo,” “O.B.,” “Carlo,” and “Reese Cup” – which was his favorite candy. His nieces, “Fanny,” and Niesha “GG.” His cousins, “Red,” and “McBud.” His only uncle and aunt, Johnston Stephens Sr., and Eunice Stephens.

Clark Dale Thomas/Brenda Love passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ernestine Cary; brothers, Milton Carey, Ernest Thomas, and Sam Thomas; and a loving niece, Tarkesta Landry “Kess.”

He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sisters, Carolyn Thomas, and Joyce Thomas of Akron, OH, and Jacqueline Thomas of Boston, MA; his brother, Willie (Linda) Thomas of Marriett, GA; his beloved best friend, Jim “Charmaine” Tormey; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

 “We’re going to miss him. He left so many memories with us and was always the life of the party. Rest easy Love.” – The Family