Wanda Clark, who was Ball’s personal secretary for more than 25 years until Ball’s death in 1989, passed away Sunday at the age of 87.

Prior to serving as Lucille Ball’s long-time personal secretary, Clark was employed at LOOK magazine. She befriended her coworker Cleo Smith – who happened to be Lucy’s cousin. When Ball needed a secretary, Smith recommended Clark, who then worked for Ball from 1963 until Ball’s passing in 1989. Clark had been a frequent participant in the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, anecdotes and seldom-seen photos that offered a glimpse into Ball’s career and home life.

Lucie Arnaz, Ball’s daughter, said in a Facebook post that Clark began working for Ball when Arnaz was 11. Clark later was the Matron of Honor at Arnaz’ first wedding and regularly traveled around the world to watch Arnaz perform while also attending Arnaz’ daughter’s wedding – indicative of the bond Clark formed with Ball’s family over the decades.

“Wanda cared deeply about preserving my parents’ legacy — serving as a founding board member of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Jamestown meant so much to her, and she loved returning for the annual comedy festival, where she shared stories, reconnected with old friends, and brought her unique perspective to those who gathered there,” Arnaz said..

Wanda Clark, Lucille Ball’s former personal secretary, is pictured with a painting of Lucille Ball during one of her visits to Jamestown.

Clark was born on March 19, 1938, in Vandervoort, Ark. She and her family lived in Idabel, Okla., and moved to Oklahoma City in 1951, and she graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1956. After Ball’s death, Clark worked for philanthropist Barbara Davis, actresses Victoria Principal and Melody Thomas Scott, herself a former Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz board member and frequent visitor to Jamestown, talent agent Roger Vorce and producer Ray Stark.

Clark was a frequent guest at Lucille Ball Comedy Festival events over the past three decades, with her final visit coming in 2024. During that event, Clark took part in a discussion with Ric Wyman, Lucille Ball historian, author and former Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center director when Clark was on the organization’s board of directors. Clark and Wyman did similar events elsewhere in 2024 and early 2025.

“Wanda was an extraordinary link to the history we celebrate every day. Her firsthand perspective and generosity in sharing memories helped visitors feel closer to the legacy we preserve, and her deep affection for Jamestown reminded us that comedy’s impact – and Lucy and Desi’s enduring story – is, at its heart, about people and connection. We were honored every time she joined us – most recently in 2024 – as those visits were always a very special highlight of the festival. She will be dearly missed,” said Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center and Lucy Desi Museum executive director.

Wanda Clark, Lucille Ball’s former personal secretary, is pictured with a painting of Lucille Ball during one of her visits to Jamestown. Photo courtesy Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum