Ethel M. Clarke

Ethel Mae Clarke entered eternal rest and peace on Sunday, August 2, 2020 surrounded by her family. She was born on October 28, 1935 to the late Maesell and Cora Mae Gilchrist of Dendron, Virginia. She was a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who loved unconditionally. She was kindhearted and loved the Lord. She always had a smile on her face, and she loved to laugh. Ethel was educated in Surry County Public Schools. She attended New Design School and L. P. Jackson High School. She later obtained a Commercial Driver's License and was a School Bus Driver for Isle of Wight County Public Schools while also serving on the Cafeteria Staff at Smithfield High School for over 20 years. At an early age, Ethel professed her love for Christ and joined St. Paul's Holiness Church. She was gifted in music and learned to play the piano by ear. She began playing for Sunday School when she was 12 years old. On December 24, 1955, Ethel married the love of her life, James Roger Clarke, Sr., affectionately known as Roger. Together, they enjoyed 64 years of marriage full of love, happiness, and endless laughter. To this union, three children were born: James, Terry, and Darlene. She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as "Grandma Effie" and to her great-grandchildren as "Big Momma." Each one held a special place in her heart from the oldest to the youngest. Ethel was also a skillful homemaker, cook and baker. She loved gardening and looked forward to growing fresh vegetables each season. Above all, she enjoyed ministering the gospel through music and song. She practiced diligently on the piano and keyboard along with her vocals to prepare songs for the various church choirs she played for and sang with throughout the years including St. Paul's Holiness Church, New Branch Baptist Church, and Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. She especially enjoyed serving as Organist for the Second Senior Choir at Mt. Sinai for many years, singing and playing songs of praise such as, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," "I Got A New Home," and "Something Inside of Me." She loved church and enjoyed attending all the local revivals each year with Roger. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her parents Maesell and Cora Mae Gilchrist and her brother Russell Gilchrist, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories her three children: James R. Clarke, Jr. (Jacqueline), Terry T. Clarke (Tiffany) and Anita Darlene Glymph (Derrick); 10 grandchildren: Tapreia (Michael), Jamaela (Kima), Talivia, Terri, Tamara, Taylor, Casey, Cameron, David, and Tania; nine great-grandchildren: Triston, Trinity, Isaiah, Kayden, Sebastian, Kaysen, Kirsten, Michaela, and Ayse. She also leaves to cherish three siblings: Virene Howell, Calvin Gilchrist, and Delores Savedge; one sister-in-law, Cleopatra Savedge and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Graveside Celebration will be held 11am Saturday August 8, 2020 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Viewing will take place Friday August 7, 2020 at St. Paul Holiness Church Dendron, VA from 5-7 pm. Mrs. Clarke is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Clarke family in your prayers.

Burial Date August 8, 2020

A Graveside Celebration will be held 11am Saturday August 8, 2020 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Viewing will take place Friday August 7, 2020 at St. Paul Holiness Church Surry, VA from 5-7pm. Mrs. Clarke is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Clarke Family in your prayers.