Mary Corley Clarke

Mary L. Clarke, a resident of Richmond for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully at home on 16 Sept, 2018. She was 96 years young in spirit. She was a charter member of River Road Presbyterian Church and she taught Sunday school there with 3 and 4 year olds for many years. There is a Classroom named for her and a Corky Playground that she really enjoyed meticulously planning and donating! She loved little children and was devoted, innovative and tireless in her service to them. She taught at Helen Dixon’s nursery school for more than 30years. She chaired a Child Care Board championing children in Lee Elementary School. She gave thousands of hours in various volunteer organizations in the city over the years. She was president of the church Needlework Guild and her bountiful contributions of handmade preemie baby caps, wheelchair blankets and hand knitted wash cloths are (like Elvis) spotted everywhere in this city and beyond. She served as president of River Road Hills Garden Club 7 times. She “pushed a cart” at (old Civil War) Retreat Hospital for 20+ years. She was a Red Cross volunteer “rolling bandages” and entertaining troops at USO dances during WWII while they recuperated at Army Navy General Hospital in her hometown, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. She met and married her late husband, William Harvey Clarke, while he was employed by Reynolds Metals at Jones Mill. Arkansas. He was soon transferred to Louisville, KY, and they lived there briefly before coming to Virginia which became their “forever home”. She is survived by many beloved cousins, cherished friends, wonderful caregivers and a vast number of All Grown Up Now People (former students that she nurtured in nursery school!);and her beloved cat, Mimzy. Corky brightened the lives of everyone who knew her - no matter how briefly...I know all cherish memories of her wit and playful spirit—she always entertained and was upbeat! She will be missed in this world. A memorial service will be held at River Roads Presbyterian Church on Saturday, 29 September 2018, at one o’clock followed by a Reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Bon Secours Hospice or a charity of your choice.