Virginia “Missy” Louise Clark of McKinney, Texas passed away on July 7, 2019 on a Sunday morning. She was born on May 1, 1936 to Herman and Virginia Teale of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Missy was an exotic animal trainer for over 40 years training big cats for the circus and educational exhibits on wild animals. Missy and her previous husband started a non-profit organization to help rescue big cats and provide sanctuary. All of the animals they had were rescues and unwanted. They made a living by traveling with the circus and then moved on to educational programs at state and county fairs throughout the U.S. as well as private commercial parties.
After retiring, she drove a school bus for Garland ISD and McKinney ISD with her daughter Anne. She kept all of the cats until they lived out their lives in their habitats. She had photographers visit on weekends to take close-up pictures of the cats and provide donations which also helped to support the care of the animals. There is no doubt about it she was living her dream!! She was probably one of the last women lion tamers in the United States. They loved and cared for their animals with all their hearts and dedicated their lives to their well-being.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Davis of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Anne Pauken and husband, Robert of Richardson, Texas; son, Charlie Abernethy and wife, Kathy; grandchild, Taylor Pauken of Denton, Texas; and numerous other loving family and friends.
Missy was preceded in death by her first husband, Mike Clark.