Carolyn Garrison Clarke

Carolyn Garrison Clarke

November 13, 2025

Carolyn Garrison Clarke, 91, of Beckley, WV passed away peacefully at her husband’s side on November 13, 2025. She was born Carolyn Joyce Garrison on March 27, 1934, in Steubenville, Ohio to Carrell Fleming Garrison and Alice Bertha Summers Garrision. Her parents and her sister, Marilyn Joan Garrison Chandler, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Dr. William (Bill) Watts Clarke, of Beckley; three sons - Thomas Lee Clarke of northern Virginia, David Garrison Clarke of Beckley and John Watts Clarke (Sherry) of Charleston; seven grandchildren - Charles William Clarke (Stephanie) of Charleston, Christie Clarke Podbesek (Brian) of Charlottesville, VA, Erin Clarke Deighn (Michael) of Smithfield, VA, Allison Clarke Brown (Chase) of Titusville, FL, Ashleigh Nicole Clarke of Morgantown, WV, Sarah Elizabeth Clarke of Charleston, and Rachel Denise Clarke of Charleston; and nine great grandchildren - Olivia Grace Clarke, Evelyn Claire Clarke, Charlotte Kate Clarke, Charles William Clarke II, Nolan David Deighn, Adalyn Marie Deighn, Emersyn Elizabeth Brown, Abigail Grace Brown and Cameron Grady Brown.

Carolyn’s life was richly blessed. She graduated from Weir High School in Weirton, WV where she was lead majorette. She earned a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and met her husband, Bill. After college, Carolyn and Bill made their home and raised their family in Beckley. Carolyn worked as a schoolteacher and served as President of the Briarcliffe Garden Club and the Junior Woman’s Club. She won top honors in many local flower shows, enjoyed golf with Bill and her many friends, made a hole in one many times, and traveled extensively with Bill throughout Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Above all, she enjoyed time with family.

Her family will hold a private memorial. Calfee Funeral Home of Beckley, WV is in charge of arrangements.