MONICA
A Musical Soul with an Unforgettable Spirit
Monica Gray Clark, born in Houma, Louisiana, on November 20, 1959, was a woman of extraordinary warmth, creativity, and talent. A bright and passionate musician, Monica’s life was deeply intertwined with her love for music. Her piano was her lifelong companion, traveling with her to every new home and serving as a steadfast source of joy and solace. While she was skilled on both piano and guitar, it was her expressive piano playing that captured the hearts of those who listened.
After briefly attending Louisiana State University, Monica moved to New Orleans, where she experienced the highs of artistic discovery but also faced mental health and substance abuse challenges. Determined to reclaim her path, she sought treatment and eventually relocated to Lafayette to study piano pedagogy at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Monica’s talent and dedication shone brightly as she worked toward her degree, but just a semester shy of graduation, she chose to leave school to begin her family. Despite this transition, music remained a constant in her life, and she continued to play, teach, and inspire others.
Monica’s ability to light up a room with her laughter and vibrant personality was matched only by her strength and resilience. While her battle with mental illness eventually led to her passing, Monica’s life reminds us that even those who struggle with the weight of life's challenges can profoundly impact others and leave a legacy of love, creativity, and hope. She brought light and inspiration to everyone she touched, proving that beauty can thrive even in adversity.
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Every story holds the power to inspire change—this is ours, a legacy of love, resilience, and the belief that it’s never too late to begin again.
OUR HISTORY
THE STORY BEHIND "TOO LATE"
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A GRANDMOTHER'S LOVE
The phrase “Too Late” comes from a deeply personal place, rooted in a letter from my grandmother, affectionately known as Grandma Maude. From the time I was young, she and I were pen pals. Her letters were a constant in my life—filled with wisdom, humor, and encouragement. Her penmanship was flawless, her words a source of comfort no matter where life took me.
THE STORY BEHIND "TOO LATE"
One letter, however, changed everything. In it, she spoke of the importance of patience and understanding, encouraging me to support my brother, Max, as he faced his own struggles. Then, with heartbreaking honesty, she admitted, “I often wish I could go back and be more understanding to my siblings. Too late.”
LOSS AND RECONCILIATION
Two weeks later, Max passed away. I never got the chance to give him the understanding she had urged. In the pain of losing him, her words—“Too late”—felt haunting, a stark reminder of missed opportunities. But her message didn’t end there. My grandmother hadn’t spoken to her own brother in 15 years. At Max’s funeral, I handed her a note that read, “It’s NOT TOO LATE for you.” In that moment, something shifted. She and her brother reconciled, proving that even in loss, it’s not too late to create something meaningful.
A MISSION BORN FROM LOVE
That moment, and her letter, have stayed with me ever since. “Too Late ” became more than just a phrase—it’s a mission. It’s a call to action, a reminder that no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to heal, to create, or to make a difference.
HONORING MONICA AND MAXWELL
This scholarship fund is my way of honoring Max and Monica, ensuring their love for music and the light they brought to the world continue to inspire others. It’s not too late for us to uplift others, to follow our passions, or to help someone realize their dreams.
1959
HOUMA, LA
Monica Ann Gray is born to Judith and Robert Gray.
1977
BATON ROUGE, LA
Monica attends bid night for Pi Beta Phi at LSU. She dropped out, but later attended USL to pursue her passion for piano.
1973
HOUMA, LA
Monica poses next to her piano which traveled with her to every home she had until the day she passed.
1981
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Monica on stage with her band in New Orleans after she left LSU to move to the crescent city with her best friend.
1986
LAFAYETTE, LA
Monica marries Peter Clark at the Petroleum Club surrounded by family and friends.
1985
LAFAYETTE, LA
Monica prepares for classes at USL where she studied piano pedagogy.
1989
ASHEBORO, NC
Monica poses next to her piano in the first house she and Pete bought once they were married.
1991
ASHEBORO, NC
Monica and Pete pose for a photo celebrating their first Christmas as a family.
1990
ASHEBORO, NC
Monica shows off her baby bump as she prepares to welcome her first son, Maxwell to the family.
1993
MARIETTA, OH
Monica kisses her first son, Maxwell, during his second birthday party.
1994
MARIETTA, OH
Monica welcomes her second son, Ford, to the family.
1993
MARIETTA, OH
Maxwell takes to the piano! Monica kindly reminds him to NOT bang on the keys, please!
1994
MARIETTA, OH
Maxwell smiles for the camera as he welcomes his brother, Ford, to the family.
1997
ROCKY MOUNT, NC
Maxwell holds his first guitar after opening presents on Christmas Day.
1996
CORFU, NY
Maxwell embraced by his paternal grandmother in Upstate New York.
2003
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Monica and childhood friend, Fifi, enjoy a night of music in the French Quarter decades after she left the city.
2006
CASA GRANDE, AZ
Monica's prized possession pictured in her last home before passing away. Her lifelong companion.
2004
CASA GRANDE, AZ
Maxwell plays his first electric guitar after opening presents on Christmas Day.
2007
HOUMA, LA
Monica passes away and is buried in her hometown during a ceremony attended by family and friends.
2015
ATHENS, OH
Ford's Paternal Grandmother writes him a note two weeks before his brother's unexpected passing.
2007
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS
Maxwell visits a museum dedicated to one of his lifelong idols, Robert Johnson.
2015
COLUMBUS, OH
Maxwell passes away and is laid to rest during a ceremony attended by family and friends.
2024
LITITZ, PA
Maxwell's paternal grandmother holds a note her grandson Ford gave to her at Max's funeral. The namesake of the Scholarship.
2015
ATHENS, OH
Ford memorializes his grandmother's words - "Too Late".
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Breaking Rules, Sharing Joy, and Loving Music
Maxwell Dan Clark, born in Asheboro, North Carolina, on September 3, 1991, was a magnetic personality whose love for music, adventure, and defiance of convention defined his life. From a young age, Max stood out—his tenacious energy and opposition to normalcy ran circles around authority and all things that told him to comply. He was everyone’s favorite person, a dreamer who lived unapologetically on his own terms.
Though Max played guitar and dabbled on the piano, his true passion was in discovering and experiencing music in all its forms. Inspired by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Robert Johnson, he loved experimenting with his electric guitar and diving deep into the worlds of hip-hop and blues. Whether freestyling at a party, sharing his favorite tracks, or simply lighting up a room with his infectious laughter, Max had a gift for making every moment feel like a celebration.
Max’s journey served as a broken reflection that made you see the complexities of the human experience clearly. His life was shaped by his struggles with mental health and addiction, but these challenges were part of what made him so human and so profoundly impactful to those around him. Despite the weight of these battles, Max’s unfiltered honesty, boundless energy, and carefree spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Tragically, his struggles led to his untimely passing at just 24 years old. Max’s zest for life and the joy he shared with others will forever be remembered.
