Shirley H. Clark
Shirley H. Clark is a County Councilwoman, ordained minister, mentor, and author based in the Greenville–Spartanburg–Anderson area of South Carolina. Guided by her faith and the belief that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she has dedicated her life to service in both public leadership and spiritual ministry. She is widely known for her dual calling in “pulpit and politics,” where she blends governance with faith-based leadership to support and uplift her community.
With more than 25 years in special education, Shirley has built a deeply rooted career working with students with special needs, whom she affectionately refers to as “angels.” She currently serves as a transition coach, helping high school students prepare for life beyond the classroom and enter the workforce with confidence and support. Alongside her education career, she has served in local government for several years as a Laurens County Councilwoman, where she focuses on community needs, advocacy, and service-driven leadership. She is also an ordained minister and spiritual advisor, offering guidance through preaching, mentorship, and faith-based outreach.
Shirley is the founder of Ms. Shirley’s Mission, also known as Coats of Kindness, a community initiative dedicated to providing clothing and essential support to individuals and families in need. She is also the author of Dual Calling: Pulpit and Politics and the founder of Wise Beyond Years Mentorship LLC, through which she helps individuals discover purpose and personal growth. Across her work in education, government, ministry, and outreach, she remains committed to compassion, faith, and empowering others to walk confidently in their purpose.
• License Overseer
• Ordain minister
• Lifetime member of NAACP
• Rotary
• Gamma Alpha Phi Nu Sorority
• Preacher Connection
• Coats for Kindness
• Miss Shirley's Mission
• Nursing Home Service
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God's grace and mercy above all else. As I always say, He allows us grace and mercy for a brand new day, a new opportunity, even when we don't think about it. Being a true servant is key - you can't serve the people unless you be a servant, a true servant. When Jesus washed the disciples' feet, he was a servant too, and I'm a servant. I give God all the glory because I never dreamed of doing any of this - working in schools, being on County Council, serving in ministry. Everything He has blessed me with, I love it all. My life has a divine purpose, and my calling is rooted and grounded in grace. I start every day at 5 a.m. with prayer, meditation, and affirmations, asking God to order my steps and lead and guide me the way that He will have me to go.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Start with an affirmation in the morning. Ask God to order your steps and lead and guide you the way that He will have you to go. Remember that your life has a divine purpose, and your calling is rooted and grounded in grace. Don't be afraid of where God leads you, even if it's somewhere you never imagined - I said 'no, no children' when my husband prophesied about my work, but look where God took me. Trust His plan for your life.