Frizelle Clarke

Frizelle Clarke transitioned from this life on Saturday, April 3, 2021.

Frizelle was born as the fifth child to the late Harry J. Clarke Sr. and Josie Gwaltney Clarke on September 25, 1937 in an area called Modest Neck, Isle of Wight County, Va.

As a young man, Frizelle prayed for a wife, and God sent him “an angel by the well” named Sarah Ann Bailey.  He married the love of his life on October 29, 1960.   Together, they built a home rich of love and laughter. “Sweet Ann” was the apple of his eye and to their 60-year union were born six children, Jerry Anthony, Reginald Lee, Gregory La-Mar, Wayne Antonio, Yvette Michelle and Alicia La-Shawn. 

Frizelle was a God-fearing man whose faith gave him comfort and peace.  He joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church at an early age and raised his children in a faithful home. Frizelle was an active member of the Couples’ Ministry where you were sure to get a laugh and a few nuggets of wisdom. Sundays were for worship, family and football, specifically Dallas Cowboy football.  Frizelle expected his children to call home on Sundays to check-in and give updates no matter how far away from home they were.  After leaving the house, he required everyone to call when they got home. While he was a man of few words, when he spoke, he spoke with authority and wisdom.  He was a protector and a provider.  He had a soft spot for babies and children.  His constant advice was to “take care of that baby”.  In his last days, he expressed that he was at peace with his God and his God was at peace with him.

A career farmer, Frizelle worked hard along-side his father and family to raise pigs, plant corn, peanuts and soybean.  In 1974, Frizelle went to work at Newport News Shipyard where he worked as a Rigger.  After farming during the day and working third shift at the Shipyard for 29 years, he retired to relax in his chair under the tree in the backyard. Frizelle continued to garden and grow vegetables and watermelons for his family to enjoy.

In addition to his parents, preceding him in death:  his son Reginald Lee Clarke, six siblings and three siblings-in-law, Pauline Gray, Harry Clarke Jr., Yvonne Byrd Clarke, Rev. Raymond Clarke, Rev. Frances Clarke, Marshall Clarke, Jacqueline Hill, Thomas Hill and Ervin Clarke Sr. 

Left to cherish his memory,  his wife Sarah Ann, children Jerry (Shirlynn), Deborah, Gregory (Gloria), Wayne (Tiffany), Yvette and Alicia; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great, grandchildren; one brother-in-law, James Gray, one sister-in-law Phyllis Clarke, two God-daughters Virtley Brown (Benjamin) and Drinda Hamm (Jeffrey), one God-son Troy Clarke Sr., his other children in-love, Revs. Wilbert and Pamela Adams and sons; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

A Graveside Celebration will be held 11am Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Ivor, VA. Viewing will take place Friday, April 9, 2021 from 4-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Clarke is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Clarke family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Frizelle Clarke Video Tribute