Joan Elizabeth Clarke

JOAN B. CLARKE STAUNTON, VA. Joan Elizabeth (Bennetts) Clarke, 76, widow of Robert Carey Clarke, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at her residence following a brief battle with cancer. She was born November 24, 1934, in Richmond, a daughter of the late George Aldrich and Clara Naomi (Puckett) Bennetts. In addition to raising her three sons and serving as secretary for many years for St. John's United Methodist Church, Mrs. Clarke spent her life partnered with her husband in ministry to others. She was a member of the Staunton Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband on April 26, 2011. Family members include three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert, Jr., and Margaret Clarke of Chester, Stephen and Kary Clarke of Monroe, and Andrew and Terrie Mae Clarke of Charleston, SC; two sisters, Geni Bennetts of Napa, CA, and Darleyne Moore of Williamsburg; and five grandchildren, Stephen, Jr., David, Matthew, Miles, and Mitchell. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday (June 1, 2011) in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Dan Darrikhuma. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Malachi Jones, Frank Bowles, Frank Cox, Robbie Payne, John Sypher, Ed Short, Larry Sheffer, and Randy Bosley. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening (May 31, 2011) in Henry Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Staunton Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1000 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or to the Harrisonburg Seventh Day Adventist Church for evangelism.