Barbara L. Clarke, 79, of Taylorville, died on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at her residence.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, at St. Maurice Catholic Church, 706 SE 4th Street, in Morrisonville. The funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. with The Very Rev. Thomas Hagstrom, V.F. as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Maurice Catholic Cemetery in Morrisonville. The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville with ceremonies.
Mrs. Clarke was born Nov. 25, 1943, in Taylorville, the daughter of Earl and Helen (Wilbur) Jones. She married James Clarke on Nov. 27, 1965, in Morrisonville, and they enjoyed over 57 years of marriage.
She graduated from Morrisonville High School with the Class of 1961. She was a homemaker and provided in-home daycare services for 18 years. Mrs. Clarke also worked for the State of Illinois for the Department of Public Aid for nearly five years. She was a longtime member of St. Maurice Catholic Church in Morrisonville, where she was active in the Altar & Rosary Society. Mrs. Clarke enjoyed reading and puzzles, but she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandkids the most.
Mrs. Clarke is survived by her husband, James Clarke of Taylorville; children, Michael Clarke of Springfield, David (Jodi) Clarke of Knoxville, TN, Robert (Stacey) Clarke of Pawnee, Lori (Matt) Wemple of Taylorville, and Brenda Lavin of Morrisonville; grandchildren, Josh (Rachel) Ferrill, Wesley (Katie) Ferrill, Megan (Brandon) Ferrill, Connor Clarke, Evan Clarke, Ethan (Hanna) Clarke, Ellie Clarke, Devon (Theresa) Wemple, Luke Wemple, Lane Wemple, Nic (Emillee) Lavin, Nathan Lavin, and Natalie Lavin; great-grandchildren, Liam, Regan, Taren, and Evonne; brother, Glen (Janet) Jones of Clearwater, FL; sisters, Betty (Richard) Camden of Springfield and Rita Mitchell of Taylorville; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Michele Ferrill.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Maurice Catholic Church, 706 SE 4th Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546. Donations of food may be brought to the Knights of Columbus Hall #1151 in Morrisonville on Friday morning.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Mrs. Clarke, or to offer condolences to her family.
