The Clark Sisters: Which Member Passed Away? Clarifying The Confusion And Recent Tragic Losses

The question of "Which Clark Sister passed away?" is a recurring query that often leads to confusion among fans of the legendary gospel music group, *The Clark Sisters*. As of the current date in December 2025, it is important to clarify that all five original members of the iconic group—Jacky Clark Chisholm, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, Dorinda Clark Cole, Karen Clark Sheard, and Denise Clark-Bradford—are still alive and continuing their respective ministries, though their family has endured significant, heartbreaking losses in recent years. This article will definitively address the rumors, detail the tragic passings of key family members, and honor the enduring legacy of the *First Family of Gospel Music*. The source of the confusion is understandable, as the family has experienced several profound losses, including their beloved matriarch and their only brother, with the most recent passing occurring in early 2025. These events, coupled with the former member's separation from the group, have fueled speculation online.

The Clark Sisters: A Full Family Biography and Profile

The Clark Sisters are recognized globally as the highest-selling female gospel group in history, known for their innovative sound and complex harmonies, a style often referred to as "The Clark Sound." The group was founded by their mother, the renowned choral director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, and originally consisted of her five daughters.

• Dr. Mattie Moss Clark (Mother/Founder): The visionary and musical genius behind the group. She served as the International Minister of Music for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Music Department. Dr. Clark passed away on September 22, 1994, from complications related to diabetes.
• Jacky Clark Chisholm: The oldest sister, known for her mezzo-soprano voice and her focus on health and wellness ministry. Born in 1948.
• Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark: The musical architect of the group, a brilliant songwriter, producer, and keyboardist. She is often credited with creating "The Clark Sound" and is known for her signature high-energy runs and riffs. Born in 1957.
• Denise Clark-Bradford: A founding member who left the group in the 1980s to pursue a career as a minister and physician, though she has occasionally reunited with her sisters for special events. Born in 1953.
• Dorinda Clark Cole: Known as the "Rose of Gospel," she is a powerful evangelist, fashion designer, and one of the most dynamic voices in the group. Born in 1957.
• Karen Clark Sheard: The youngest sister, famous for her soaring soprano voice, improvisational vocal style, and being the mother of contemporary gospel star Kierra Sheard. Born in 1960.

The core group that continues to perform and record consists of Jacky, Twinkie, Dorinda, and Karen.

The Definitive Answer: Which Clark Sister is Deceased?

The simple and factual answer to the question is that none of the five Clark Sisters—Jacky, Twinkie, Dorinda, Karen, or Denise—have passed away. All five daughters of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark are alive as of late 2025. The persistent rumors surrounding the passing of a Clark Sister most frequently center on Denise Clark-Bradford. This speculation is largely due to three primary factors:

1. Departure from the Group: Denise left the core group of *The Clark Sisters* decades ago to pursue different callings, leading to her absence from many public appearances and recordings, which causes some fans to believe she is no longer with them.
2. Confusion with Other Family Losses: The public often confuses the sisters' personal lives with their group identity. The most recent and profound losses have been their mother and their brother.
3. Recent Personal Tragedies: Denise Clark-Bradford has faced unimaginable personal tragedy in recent years, which has brought her name into the news and may have been misinterpreted as her own passing. She lost two of her sons in quick succession: Julian Morrison in 2021 and John A. "Gino" Morrison II in August 2024. The news of a "Clark" family funeral, particularly one so recent, likely fueled the online rumors that a sister had died.

Recent Tragic Losses and The Enduring Legacy of the Clark Family

While the five sisters remain, the Clark family has indeed suffered significant and painful losses that have deeply affected the gospel community. It is the passing of these two immediate family members that provides the most current and relevant information to this popular search query.

1. The Passing of the Matriarch: Dr. Mattie Moss Clark (1994)

The first great loss to the family and the gospel world was the passing of their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Dr. Clark was not only the mother of the five girls but a legendary figure in her own right, responsible for shaping the sound of modern choir music. Her death in 1994 from complications of diabetes was a devastating blow, but her musical legacy, including the iconic "Clark Sound," lives on through her daughters.

2. The Passing of Their Only Brother: Leo Henry Cullum II (2025)

In a more recent and deeply felt tragedy, the Clark Sisters lost their only brother, Leo Henry Cullum II, who was the eldest child of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. News reports and obituaries confirm that Leo Henry Cullum II passed away on February 9, 2025. Leo Cullum was the sole brother in a house full of girls and was a cherished member of the family. His passing, which occurred less than a year ago, is the most current death in the immediate Clark family, making it the most likely source of the "which Clark sister passed away" confusion in 2025. While no official cause of death was widely announced, the family mourned the loss of their beloved brother, son, and uncle.

3. Denise Clark-Bradford's Personal Grief (2021 & 2024)

The passing of Denise Clark-Bradford’s two sons, Julian Morrison (2021) and John A. “Gino” Morrison II (August 2024), is a separate but related event that has fueled the rumors. The grief experienced by Denise, a former Clark Sister, has been shared publicly, leading to an outpouring of support from the gospel community and, unfortunately, the misinterpretation of her personal tragedy as her own death. This highlights the intense scrutiny and public interest that the *First Family of Gospel Music* faces.

The Clark Sisters' Unbreakable Legacy and Topical Authority

Despite the personal trials and the persistent rumors, the four performing Clark Sisters—Jacky, Twinkie, Dorinda, and Karen—continue to perform, record, and receive accolades, cementing their status as gospel music legends. Their storied career includes an impressive discography of over 16 albums, making them the highest-selling female gospel group in history. Key entities and achievements that showcase their topical authority in the music industry include:

• Three Grammy Awards (with some sources citing two, but three is the most widely accepted count for the group).
• A prestigious Dove Award.
• Iconic hit songs such as "You Brought the Sunshine," "Is My Living in Vain," and "Blessed and Highly Favored."
• The 2020 Lifetime movie, *The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel*, which introduced their story to a new generation.
• A 2024 honor where the entire original group, including Denise Clark-Bradford, was recognized for their monumental contributions to music.

The Clark Sisters’ music and ministry have influenced countless artists across multiple genres, from R&B and Soul to contemporary gospel. Their innovative use of vocal ad-libs, riffs, and runs, particularly championed by Karen Clark Sheard and Twinkie Clark, has set a standard for vocal excellence. The enduring strength and faith of the family, particularly in the face of recent personal losses like the passing of their brother Leo Henry Cullum II, is a testament to the powerful message they share through their music. The five sisters remain a powerful force, continuing the legacy established by their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.