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Clarke & Staples Funeral Homes, Inc.
    Sunday, January 21 2018
    Jane Matthews Clarke

    Posted by: Clarke and Staples Funeral Homes, Inc. AT 05:06 pm   |  Permalink   |  14 Comments  |  Email
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    CLARKE,
    Jane Matthews Clarke, 91, of Kenbridge, Va. died peacefully at home on January 21, 2018. Jane is preceded in death by her husband, George B. Clarke, III; her brother, Tom Matthews and a sister, Alice Ray Stevens. She is survived by her three children, Betsy Clarke Cavanna and her husband Rob; Alice Hunt; and George B. Clarke, IV. In addition, five grandchildren, Kate Fippinger and husband Nick; Watkins Hunt; Ben Clarke; Cabot Enroughty and husband Price and Laney Clarke; one great grandchild, Clarke Fippinger; her sister, Lanie Kabrick. Jane was born on April 17, 1926 in Brunswick County to Elizabeth and Thomas Matthews. She graduated from High Point College in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Bible Studies and then taught Bible in Halifax County Public Schools until she met and married George B. Clarke in 1954. Jane grew up Methodist at Pleasant Grove Church. However, after marrying George and moving to Kenbridge, she became a member of the Kenbridge Baptist Church, where she became actively involved. Jane dedicated her life to her husband and children, as well as her extended family and church. Jane became the Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia (WMUV) Mission Study Chair from 1976 to 1979, and she traveled thousands of miles a year speaking in churches around Virginia. In 1979, she was elected as state president of the WMUV. Under her leadership from 1979-1983, WMUV continued its strong heritage of mission work by developing a sister relationship between Virginia and Colombia WMU. During her tenure, she oversaw the purchase and development of WMUV’s Camp Little Crossroads in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to her work with the Kenbridge Baptist Church and the WMUV, she was on the Board of Trustees of Hargrave Military Academy.The ease in which Jane related to people different from her resulted from her genuine Christian ethic; she counted it a privilege to speak in many African-American churches and enjoyed worshiping with her brothers and sisters there. Jane was well-known for her capacity to help others. She believed you should give part of your life to your fellow man every day.  Her home was always open to friends and family, because everyone walking through her door felt loved by Jane Clarke. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and dear friends who have provided loving care for Jane in recent years. The family will receive friends at their home in Kenbridge from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday January 24, 2018. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2018,  at 11AM in the Kenbridge Baptist Church with interment in the Kenbridge Heights Cemetery.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jane Clarke’s life.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice. Clarke Funeral Home, Kenbridge, in charge of services. Online Condolences may be made at www.clarkefh.com

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      Staples Funeral Home
      P.O. Box 96
      2300 Nottoway Blvd.
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      110 E. Fifth Avenue
          Kenbridge, Virginia 23944   
      Phone: (434) 676-8281
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