Lena Holmes Clarke

Lena E. Holmes Clarke was the youngest of five children born on March 28, 1921, to the late Bennett and Addie Holmes of King William, VA.

Lena accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age She was baptized by the late pastor, Samuel Holmes (uncle) at her home church, Third Union Baptist. It was here, right at home, that she began her Christian journey. Throughout her life, Lena continued her membership at Third Union. She loved coming home annually to Homecoming, family, and class reunions.

Lena was a graduate from King William County Training School in 1939. After graduation she moved to Wilmington, Delaware to be with her mother and sisters, and for better employment opportunities.

She later met the love of her life, Thomas H. Clarke and married on July 11, 1945. The young couples moved to Philadelphia, PA where they made their home for more than four years. Keeping God first in their new life together, they became members of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. The couple had three children: stepson Herbert Pettiford, Clarence Holmes ("Butch"), and Janet Claiborne.

As a young wife, homemaker, and mother, she wanted to fulfill her educational goals. She began taking nursing classes and became a Licensed Practical Nurse through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She quickly found a job working at Margaret Perry's Convalescent Home for more than 22 years until its closing. She soon worked for the owner as her private duty nurse. Lena continued doing private duty nursing for Dr. and Mrs. Hoffman until their death. Still wanting to work, she began working for Dr. James and Sally Congdon doing light housekeeping and babysitting for their young sons. The Congdon are loved as family.

In February 1986, Lena lost her husband ("Tommie") of 42 years. She remained in Philadelphia four year after his death and then moved to Virginia in 1990 where she lived with her daughter Janet and son-in-law Richard. Lena was excited about being back in Virginia with family and old friends. In 2005, her son Clarence ("Butch") built a home and moved to Virginia and her sister Garland moved with him. When both "Butch" and Garland became sick, Lena went to live with them using her nursing skills. Both loved ones passed within a year of each other. Lena moved back with Janet and son-in-law, Richard. Within a few years she went to live with granddaughter JaNyce and her friend Samantha Chiles and her family.

More than anything, Lena enjoyed going to church, being with family, and watching TV. She also liked to travel by any means of transportation. She went on her first cruise at age 94. Lena was soft spoken and always had a kind word and smile for everyone. (To know her was to love her.) She was always willing to help, listen, and encourage.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband Thomas H. Clarke, three sisters Evelen Brown, Olive Dungee, and Garland Henley, brother Warren D. Holmes, son Clarence D. Holmes Sr., and daughter Janet D. Claiborne.

She leaves to cherish her memory four grandchildren Richard Jr. (Leatrice), JaNyce (friend Samantha), Clarence Holmes, Beatrice Lewis. Eight great grandchildren, Briana, Aliya Claiborne, Clarence Jr, Trinity, Emanuel and Allysha Holmes, Christian and Ian Lewis. Four great great great grandkids .There are many loving and devoted nieces, nephews and cousins left to mourn her passing.