Via AFSA:

The annual AFSA Memorial Plaque Ceremony honors Foreign Service personnel who have lost their lives while serving our country. This year’s ceremony will be held on Friday, May 4 at 10:35 a.m., in the C St. lobby of the Department of State, in front of the west plaque. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Maria Otero will pay her respects to the family of Sharon S. Clark, whose name AFSA will be adding to the plaque, bringing the total to 236.  AFSA President Susan R. Johnson will read a message from President Obama and also make brief remarks.

This year’s honoree is Sharon S. Clark.

Sharon Clark
May 17, 1953 – December 26, 2010
(Photo from Fisher Funeral Chapel)

Sharon, a first-tour Foreign Service Office Management Specialist, died on December 26, 2010 of cerebral malaria in Abuja, Nigeria. Although she is not the first member of the Foreign Service to die of cerebral malaria, we hope fervently that she will be the last.  Over twenty members of her family will be present at the ceremony.

The solemn ceremony offers us an opportunity to remember and honor all our fallen colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, and to remind us of the dangerous and difficult conditions that our Foreign Service personnel face today in many parts of the world.  Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt gratitude go out to all their loved ones. On behalf of the family we invite you to honor Ms. Clark’s life by making a charitable donation to Africare (www.africare.org). Sharon was very enthusiastic about education and passionate about Nigeria’s women and children.

Click here for her online obituary.