Karen Clark Sheard (born Karen Valencia Clark) is an American gospel singer, member of seminal group The Clark Sisters, and mother of contemporary gospel singer Kierra "Kiki" Sheard. Brief Biography Karen Clark Sheard was born the youngest of five children born to Pastor Elbert Clark and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, a pioneering detroit based gospel choral director. Clark-Sheard is best known for being a member of iconic gospel group The Clark Sisters. Karen's involvement in the Island Inspirational All Stars' "Don't Give Up" in 1996 (along with Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, and Kirk Franklin) led to her signing with Island Records. Her solo career began with the release of her debut album Finally Karen in 1997. The album, consisting of half studio recordings and half live recordings, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album in 1998. The set did however win the Lady Of