Verna A Clarke

With deep sorrow and eternal love, we announce the passing of Verna Arleen Clarke, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.  Verna, 79, of Red Bank, NJ departed this life surrounded by family and loved ones on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ.  She was born on June 16, 1945, in Long Branch. NJ to the late Stella and John W. Clarke, Sr.   

Verna, affectionately known as Arleen and Leenie, was a lifelong member of Red Bank (109) and attended the Red Bank Public School system.  She was very artistic and enjoyed drawing personal portraits of family and friends.  After her high school years, she met William "Shipwreck" Clark and they began their family, raising four children prior to separating in the mid-eighties.  She worked several years within the dry-cleaning service industry including Jack Horne and Spruce Cleaners where she developed many lifelong friendships with coworkers and customers alike.  

Arleen (Leen) met the love of her life, the late Charles L. Scott (Pop Pop), of Long Branch, NJ.  They shared a loving bond for over 40 years until his unfortunate passing on August 14, 2021.  Their many years together were filled with celebrations, family fun, and holiday gatherings despite times of trial and sorrow.  Arleen was a magnificent cook, known for her infamous fried chicken and other delicious entrees, always took pride in seeing everyone enjoy her food while having a good time.  Verna was the heart of her family-a woman who nourished not just with her cooking, but with her presence.  She had a gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for-a light in every life she touched.    

Arlene put God first and family right after.  She could be found on Sunday mornings listening to gospel music in the kitchen while reading the newspaper and cooking Sunday dinner.  She loved watching the movie, 'Soul Food,' and made time to bring her family together for birthdays at the house, to Virginia to visit relatives and graduations.  She captured so many great memories through her love of photography and video.  She was a community mom for many who recalled taking carloads to the drive-in movies & family reunions, as well as babysitting or sending them birthday cards.   

She was a social butterfly who found love in the little things and meeting new people-living proof that joy could be both gentle and powerful.  She was known for writing long letters to family members through the years, lengthy phone calls and sending gospel music she put on cassette tapes to loved ones. Since her children were small, she was a huge basketball fan-taking pictures of Dr. J/Dr. Chapstick on the tv-literally from the living room, having a lifesize cutout of MJ later standing there and watching Kobie Kobe drop 81 points in 2006 (Raptors) front and center to the tube.  She enjoyed being part of the RB Bowling League and playing cards with her Golden Girl crew (Carol, Ruth and Ruby) and trips to Atlantic City (cha-ching).  

In her later years, she found the ultimate joy spending time with her grandchildren and seeing them grow and mature into beautiful young men and women with promising futures-her legacy.  She maintained a cherished connection with each individually making sure they felt loved and special.  Even during recent times while in pain or experiencing health issues she could be seen chatting with medical staff  and building friendships where they would come check on her in the ER or hospital room.  Her laugh was contagious, her sense of humor unmatched, and her love limitless.  

She was predeceased by her daughter Tina M. Clarke, significant other Charles L. Scott, parents John and Stella Clarke, siblings, Carrie Ann Blakely, Bottsie Raymond, Dorothy and John Clarke, Jr., nephew Steven Clarke and Brother-in-Law Warren Telting.     

Verna is survived by her devoted three children Ronald C. Clarke, David R. Clark and Linda A. Clark; seven grandchildren, Jessica Howard, David I. Clark, Djenay Francis, DeVonte Clarke-Young, Kiana, Asha and Liela Clarke; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Na'sih.  She leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Shirley Telting and Sharon Clarke; Brother-in-Love George Abouriali, Uncles Charles and Warren Davis; Aunts Esther, Gurther and Lorretta Davis; God-daughter, Crystal Rubins, several nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, friends, added children Don C. Clarke, Dwayne & Kim Lewis, Joanne & Robert Claybourne along with others who will miss her dearly:  Dottie, Bianca and Mimi of Complete Care & Panzie, Faye, Lizzy and staff at the Red Bank Dialysis Center/Riverview Medical Center.   

The Celebration of Life for Verna will be held on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at Shrewsbury AME Zion Church, 285 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701.  Viewing:  11a-1p with funeral service starting immediately after at 1pm, Rev. Janet Jones, officiating.  The repast will be held at The Red Bank Elks-Bates Lodge 220.  

All who loved her are welcome to attend as we honor the life of a woman who gave so much of herself to others.  Be encouraged to carry on with purpose, feed someone with love, laugh a little louder and make someone feel seen.