Elmina Clarke

Elmina Clarke (“Patsy”), formerly Elmina Barrett, was born to Ernest and Beatrice Barrett on March 12, 1948 in Thicketts District, St Ann, Jamaica, W.I. She attended Keith All Age School, and graduated at 16 years old. Elmina wanted a better life for her and her family so she went to Kingston the capital city to live with her sister Daphne. After working for a time, she began to miss her mother so she returned home to Thicketts. She soon met Dalbert Clarke from a neighboring District, who visited Thicketts regularly, especially after he saw Elmina. She would play hard to get and refused to give him the time of the day many times. However, Dalbert was persistent and finally won her heart and they began courting. They were eventually married in 1979 in a private ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica.

Dalbert migrated later to the United States of America and in 1980; Elmina migrated also to join him. Together the union produced two children, Jason and Stephanie. They also had two other children from previous relationships, Howard (Junior) and Enovia (Netty). Elmina worked at Terrence Cardinal Cooke Nursing Home for a time in New York City. Elmina was a kind, loving person who would give you her last dollar. She was very protective of her family and was kind to her siblings and other family members who migrated to the USA, some of whom at first spent some time by her house before going off on their own. Her home was always filled with laughter, fun and a lot of people. They lived for a number of years in Queens Village, New York and many people, family and friends would oftentimes stop by that large two-family home to pay visits, have a meal or just simply reconnect and talk about their times in Jamaica.

If anyone was just arriving from Jamaica, and needed to spend a night or more, and they had the space, Elmina and Dalbert would not hesitate to open their home to them. Elmina, Dalbert and family also lived in Cambria Heights, Queens, New York before relocating to Oviedo Florida, where they bought a home. Elmina commented that she in fact was keeping better health in Florida, so she was glad they made the move there. She worked at a number of jobs there like she did when living in New York. On Wednesday July 6, Elmina after a short stay in the hospital transitioned from this life to a better life to be with her God. Her daughter Stephanie, and granddaughter Rasheeda, in tragic manner, had predeceased her in 2005 in a motor vehicle accident. Her siblings Esmie, Daphnie and Clifton also predeceased her.

Elmina leaves to mourn her passing her loving husband: Dalbert Clarke (Delroy), Sons: Howard Hamilton, Jason Clarke, Daugher: Enovia Clarke, Daughters in Law: Sandra Clarke, Carlene Hamilton, Grandchildren: Shamar Miller, Howard Hamilton Jnr, Tahj Hamilton, Kymani Hamilton, Chinara Hamilton, Jason Clarke Jnr, Leanna Clarke, Siblings: Delsie Allen, Evelyn Killingbeck, Lilleth Barrett, Claire Barrett, Averill Barrett and a host of nieces, cousins, other family and friends.

Elmina, “Patsy”, “Mama”, “Grandma”, “Aunty Patsy,” you are gone but not forgotten. You are forever in our hearts, we love you, but Jesus loves you best. You fought long and hard. Sleep in peace. Lovingly submitted by the family.

Arrangements under the direction of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, OVIEDO, FL.