Carol M. Clarke Died April 17, 2017

Carol M. Clarke

Died April 17, 2017

ELMWOOD TWP – Carol Marie Clarke, 76, of Elmwood Township, passed away Monday, April 17 2017 at Munson Medical Center with her loving family.

Carol was born Jan. 12, 1941 in Detroit, the daughter of George Pierson and Marie Rushlow.  On June 30, 1961 on the family home in Redford Township she married her high school sweetheart and loving husband of fifty-five years, Randall Kent Clarke, who survives.

Carol was truly a remarkable lady with determination, zest for life, and indomitable spirit.  Carol was injured when very young, leaving her paraplegic, yet never looked back or accepted defeat.  Learning to walk on leg braces and crutches, she started public schools at high school age after persuading the administration she could get to her classrooms in a two-story school (without elevator).

Carol easily earned the love and respect of her fellow classmates.  Her union with Randy was a relationship of uncharacteristic depth and selflessness.  They formed a lifelong team, and with his devoted assistance, she did more than most people without physical limitations.  Randy equipped a car for Carol when they were yet teens, enabling her commute in independence.

She kept the home and raised two children, later doing volunteer work for Red Cross, and worked 25 years at Northwest Human Services.  Their home was always open, guests were continuously welcomed, and the kindness of both Randy and Carol is well known. 

Carol's strength and independence was an inspiration to many.  Above all she treasured her relationship with God and lived her life with unwavering faith.

Carol is survived by her husband, Randall; daughter Randylynn (John McClelland) Clarke, son Brian (Sarah) Clarke; siblings, George (Dee) Pierson, Elizabeth "Liz" Yost, Cheryl (Robert) Berryhill, and Jamieann (John) Heldt; seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Aislyn, Courtney, Adelaide, Benjamin, Christian and Christina; one great grandchild, Elizabeth; and numerous beloved in-laws, nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her mother Marie, who instilled in Carol her great tenacity, and by the exceptional beloved father that raised and cared for her, Jim Crawley. 

The family has heartfelt gratitude to Carl and Iris Boone, Larry and Gladah Keeney, and Dan and Nancy Clarke for their selfless assistance in the last days to sit beside her.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10 with the family greeting friends at 12 noon, also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Bingham Township Cemetery.

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