Grace Younger Clarke

Grace Younger Clarke, 88 one of the last of her era, a true Southern Lady, Grace passed away Sunday evening from pneumonia after six years of declining physical health. All those who knew her tell of her manners, wit, charm, gentility, affability, and grace. A native of Raleigh, she was born at 902 St. Mary’s Street with her grandmother acting as midwife. Her father was a career Army soldier with varied postings at home and abroad. When her mother died from tuberculosis in 1929, Grace was taken in by her grandmother and raised as her own daughter. In high school as a sophomore, in 1941, she participated in a Girl’s State, a civics education program run by the American Legion. She graduated from N.B. Broughton High School in 1943 and later settled into life working at Durham Life Insurance Company. On her 23rd birthday, she married the love of her life, John H. Clarke, a career Post Office employee. By 1949, they had set up housekeeping on Pine Drive in Raleigh where they remained for 57 years until John’s passing in 2006. As her children came along, Grace stopped working outside the home to concentrate on her growing family. She relished and enjoyed her varied roles of devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Grace was a long time member and strong supporter of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church from its early days.

Grace is survived by her children: Juanita C. Lanning (Pete) of Garner, John H. Clarke (Anne) of Atlantic Beach, James R. Clarke of Wake Forest, and Joel N. Clarke (Jacqueline) of Holly Springs; grandchildren: Jessica C. Robles (Oscar) of Atlanta, GA, John R.R. Clarke (Colleen) of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and Katherine Grace Clarke of Holly Springs; great-grandchildren: Camila Robles, and John R.R. Clarke, Jr.

Thanks to the staff at Hillside Nursing and Rehabilitation in Wake Forest, where Grace resided since May 2008. Visitation will be held at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Friday evening January 11 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral Service will take place at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 714 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh on Saturday, January 12 at 2:00 pm, with interment to follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, in memory of Grace. Condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.brownwynne.com.