Ivy Ruby Clare

Mrs. Clare was born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on July 19, 1910, second of eight children born to Louis and Adelaide (Smith) Atkinson.

She was united in marriage to Frank Elsworth Clare. Their union lasted 63 years and was blessed with one son and one daughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 2004.

Ivy was hardworking, disciplined, modest and a true lady. She worked as a Post Mistress for many years, in charge of several Post Offices on the island of Jamaica. Her ledgers and cash drawer were always balanced, which led the visiting inspectors/auditors to give her the title of "The woman that could not be short ". Because of her excellent work ethic and professional manner, she was the first Post Mistress to be given permission by the Post Master General to get married in 1941. All previous PM's were unmarried.

Ivy then emigrated to the USA in the late 1960's where she worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in New York. Again, her caring, ladylike and professional attitude led all employers and colleagues to always respectfully call and refer to her as "Mrs. Clare", and not just "Ivy". After retiring, she relocated to South Florida in 1991.

"Aunt Ruby" or "Ms. Ruby" as she was affectionately known to relatives and very close friends, is survived by her son Lexington Clare and daughter Sandra Hanchard. Also, one sister Olive Clarke in Jamaica; three grandsons, Christopher, Andrew and Curtis Clare in Canada; daughter-in-law Margo Clare; son-in-law James Hanchard; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Jamaica, Canada, England, Guatemala and the USA.

We give God thanks for blessing us with Ivy's presence for almost 105 wonderful years. She always looked forward to attending church services, studying the Bible and fellowshipping with brethren. Mrs. Clare was steadfast in her faith and would always remind us to "Pray". She was an inspiration to everyone she came in contact with, and will certainly be lovingly remembered by us all.

Visitation on Friday, June 19th from 12:30 ~ 2:15 at Fred Hunters Hollywood Memorial Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood. Funeral service will begin at 2:15 P.M. at the funeral home with Pastor James Haeffele officiating. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Entombment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Gardens Cemetery ~ East.