ORDER OF SERVICE Processional Instrumental Song Pentab Praise Team I Pray We’d All Be Ready Opening Remarks
Pastor S. Robert Stewart
Prayer Scripture Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-12
Dejenae Clarke - Daughter
Song Congregation Is Thy Heart Right With God? Scripture Reading Revelation 21:1-7
Dia Fransic - Friend
TRIBUTES
Our Journey - The Omni Combat Fitness Family Martin Palacio Captain Ra Shana Dabney-Donovan Cesar Martinez Vincent Goods – Fraternity Brother
FAMILY TRIBUTES
Sonya Edwards (Song) - Aunt Karen Kelly - Cousin Family Encouragement
Bishop Royston Tracey
Eulogy Daciann & Laurieann Robinson - Cousins Offering Donation in aid of C.A.R.E. Inc. Song Pentab Praise Team A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord Message Pastor S. Robert Stewart Prayer for the Family Bishop Royston Tracey Recessional Going Up Yonder
SONGS OF COMFORT IS THY HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?
Have thy affections been nailed to the cross? Is thy heart right with God? Dost thou count all things for Jesus but loss? Is thy heart right with God?
Refrain Is thy heart right with God, Washed in the crimson flood, Cleansed and made holy, humble and lowly, Right in the sight of God
Is there no more condemnation for sin? Is thy heart right with God? Does Jesus rule in the temple within? Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain] Are all thy pow’rs under Jesus’ control? Is thy heart right with God? Does He each moment abide in thy soul? Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain]
Hast thou dominion o’er self and o’er sin? Is thy heart right with God? Over all evil without and within? Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain]
A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, A wonderful Savior to me; He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, Where rivers of pleasure I see. Refrain He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, That shadows a dry, thirsty land; He hideth my life in the depths of His love, And covers me there with His hand, And covers me there with His hand. A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away, He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day. [Refrain]
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns, And filled with His fullness divine, I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God! For such a Redeemer as mine. [Refrain] When clothed with His brightness transported I rise To meet Him in clouds of the sky, His perfect salvation, His wonderful love, I’ll shout with the millions on high. [Refrain]
THANK YOU Dejenae Clarke
Thank you for keeping my secrets Thank you for teaching me more about myself Thank you for always listening Thank for teaching me how to fly Thank you for helping me face my fears Thank you for making me smile Thank you for giving me confidence Thank you for loving me just the way I am and never judging me Thank you for showing me what I’m worth Thank you for making my dreams reality Thank you for everything Thank you for being my father and my best friend!
NEPHEW
Submitted by Auntie Sonya Edwards
Of all the many blessings However great or small To have had you for a nephew Was the greatest one of all. The family chain is broken now And nothing seems the same But as God takes us one by one The chain will link again.
“LORD, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, you have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalms 39:4-7
DAVID VALENTINE CLARKE, the first son of Doxter and Jennifer Clarke, was born at the
St. Peters Medical Center in East Brunswick, New Jersey, on November 29, 1969. David attended the Franklyn Township High School in New Jersey and Johnson C. Smith University in South Carolina. While in high school he participated in football and other sports. From the tender age of seven David displayed a passion for martial arts which was his favorite sport. The family relocated to Florida in the 1980’s where David continued to pursue this passion.
David V. Clarke was a soft-spoken man; the kind who made you love him naturally when you first meet him. There was something soothing about the delicate way in which he spoke. It was a trait you noticed from the moment he introduced himself.
ADVERTISEMENT: “Hello, I’m DAVID. Dejenae’s Dad.” Another thing you’ll learn about Coach Dave is that he enjoys talking about his daughter. You can tell it brings him joy. He actually refers to her by her nick name, DJ. In fact, everyone enjoys talking about DJ and just about all his friends tend to do so as well. “She’s my daughter,” Coach Dave says. “Every parent will say their child is great; yes, she is great. She’s a good mother and she’s very compassionate. She does not take foolishness from anybody. If she says she is gonna do something, she’s gonna do it. And don’t get her angry. She has patience, she’ll take a lot, but if you push her too hard, that’s it! She’s just like me, her father, that’s it!” The best one to verify that last comment is Dejenae’s grandmother, Jennifer (David’s mother). Like many young persons, Dejenae was born with an innate talent of pushing her father to the edge because their personalities are so similar. In spite of that, Dave said they always were best friends. He loved the relationship they had together.
LIFE AS DAVID’S PARENTS – A Mother’s Perspective
Coach David’s mother, Jennifer Clarke, was proud of the man her son turned out to be as fitness coach at Omni Combat. In life, David loved what he did. His childhood passion had developed into a way of life, a business enterprise, and a means by which he motivated and inspired others. What do you say to a person that wants and loves to do it all? I think his profession became him. It was everything he had always wanted and fighting became his life. Him not fighting, I don’t think he would have been himself. It’s like, when a baby knows that bottle is going to keep him fed and is always going to make him feel good at the end - that was what fighting was for David. David died on August 29, 2019; he was 49. “It hurt so much because I watched him for… I’m going to say a good two weeks, slowly getting to the point where his heart was failing,” says mom Jennifer. “I watched him go through it. What made it even more difficult for me was because he still fought. He continued, even at the end, as if to say I’m fighting my next fight… I’m going to get up out of this hospital and I’m going to fight.”
Framed pictures of David cover the walls of the family home and the home of his high school friends and longtime pals Bruce and Shaun. It is as if, through the pictures, he continues to talk to his family and them to him. Jennifer says she’ll get this feeling sometimes, as if David is about to reach out and grab her. As valuable as these daily interactions with David are for his family, they can also be painful, especially for Jennifer. As much as she enjoys talking about her son, she cannot bring herself to talk about the final days of his life which he spent in a hospital bed at North Broward Medical Center. “I think of him and I laugh sometimes at the things he would be saying if he was here,” Jennifer says. “And then again, it’s like (sadness) Oh my God, why did he go and leave me? I’m supposed to go before him.” Never, in a million years, would I have thought he would be gone so soon,” Jennifer said. “Sometimes now I am angry with him, angry that he was into fighting, but then I was like, there’s no need to be angry because this is him, and this is what he wanted to do with his life” Jennifer says. “As a mother you’re torn in two. Thinking of things to continue to keep them strong and fighting… to be supportive, but on the other hand, you’re like, when is this [drive to continue fighting] going to end?” I had that conflict, he did not. David pursued his dream, honed his craft and excelled as a fighter and a trainer to the very end.
MY BELOVED SON – The heart of a father
It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. Friedrich Schiller I really have no words right now except that I will miss my best friend. We were connected at the heart. He was always here for us.
A child looks up at the stars and wonders. Great fathers put a child on his shoulders and help them to grab a star. [Anonymous quote] Son, we held you up and you grabbed every star you could see. You made us proud!
POSTSCRIPT (P.S.) David continues to live through us all. “He is not gone. As I’m talking to you, you’re talking to him. You are speaking to Coach Dave right now; he’s here in this room,” is how his mother experiences him now. David can be described as always being a protector. One who had so much strength we knew we could always lean on him. His mother recalls, “The day he went to the hospital on August 17, 2019, I remember seeing a ‘glossiness in his eyes’, and he admitted, briefly, that he could feel a difference in what was going on.” Jennifer stated that in that moment, everything she’d ever learned from her son about being strong and fighting, welled up somewhere inside of her. David’s legacy of strength and a fighting spirit remains with his family. “Every day I look up at the sky and I let him know that I’m hanging in there. I let him know that his daughter and grandson are okay and things are fine. Mom and dad are OK. I’m always talking to him. Sometimes it feels like he hasn’t been away because of his presence. His spirit will always be amongst me because I had a strong love for him and he had a strong love for all of us.” David is survived by his daughter Dejenae Clarke, grandson Carmelo, his parents Doxter and Jennifer Clarke, aunt, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Rest in peace son!
Yasmin Mendoza feeling sad with Omni Combat. September 3 at 4:27 PM · On August 29, exactly 3 months shy of his 50th birthday, my big brother, coach, mentor, and best friend Dave, was called upon by God to come home. Watching you take your last breath broke my heart into a million little pieces. You were an amazing soul that touched many lives including mine. The big brother I never had… always reasoning with me when I was too stubborn to listen. You were such an inspiration and a force for good to all you had contact with whether it was for a minute, a week, or years. Our Omni family will never be the same. YOU are OMNI! You didn’t only workon our physical self; you genuinely cared for our emotional and mental health. You imparted words ~ Thank You, I’m sorry, I Love you ~ to always maintain balance and peace in our lives. Thank you for giving me nothing but unconditional love and acceptance. I’m sorry I wasn’t always there for you when you needed me. I will forever love and miss you big brother. Until we meet again. Emmanuel Joseph I still can’t wrap my head around his death; Dave was such a great dude. I trained jiujitsu with him for a year and he would push me to get better each time we trained. I saw him at a Newbreed tournament in June and we spoke for a brief moment, not knowing it would be the last time we would see each other. I’m still in disbelief because he was in great spirit and eager to compete a few months later at the same venue. Sleep in peace brother; you’ve done your job. Ryan Walker I knew him since the age of four from pre-school… in martial arts tournaments… bringing home trophies from DC and other places and just being good friends. He was just an all-around great guy.
Byron Sellers I will be out on tour but sending love your way. Dave always kept me on my toes even when giving me a hard time for being lazy. We were sometimes up and sometimes down but no matter what I always had huge respect for him. He never let anyone doubt themselves and that’s part of what a true Martial Artist does. You will live on as a positive influence in so many lives. Martin Palacio September 2 at 9:32 PM · I am very blessed to say Dave was a mentor, father figure, and super hero for a lot of people. Thank you. I will never forget every time you hit me with that bamboo stick, or the times I could not afford the classes and you would still allow me to train. I can’t say enough about how Dave and the rest of the staff at this place made me a better person. R.I.P. Coach Dave.
Annik D Nayler September 2 at 6:00 PM ·
I’m having a difficult time finding peace that you’re no longer here. I’m angry, sad, confused and have a tightness in my chest that just doesn’t want to go away... I’m very lucky, blessed and extremely grateful for your guidance, love, and friendship. You have left a mark in the hearts of many my friend, and you will always be remembered and honored. I am a stronger woman because of your persistence and passion as a fighter and as a coach. I will remember this...when I put on the gloves, when I train, when it hurts, when I drop my hands, when it gets hard or when I want to quit... you’re probably standing right behind me with that pool noodle. Rest easy my friend, muchlove.
Devonte Daley August 30 at 7:40 PM
Today I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my first ever boxing coach. Dave - Omni Combat...was not just a great coach but a GREAT MAN! I remember him seeing me feeling depressed about something, he sat me down and always gave me great knowledge on how to deal with people. This was one person who truly cared about everyone and wanted to see everyone happy and at their best. I am typing this with tears nearly flowing out my eyes. R.I.P Coach Dave... gone but not forgotten.
John Maybin feeling sad August 30 at 5:34 PM Hallandale Beach My dear Friend... words cannot express my feelings... but one thing I know Dave will be looking down at all those people he inspired and touched their hearts. He has entered in the group of Angels. My condolences to his family and friends... I will miss Big Dog.
Cesar Estrada I am shocked to learn of Coach Dave’s passing. I just saw him a few months ago at an event. I will always remember him as a kind and caring person and a Coach who truly enjoyed his craft and transmitted that love through his training. May he Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Heaven just gained another angel while we lost an amazing human being. Yeison Berdugo August 29 at 9:18 PM · It sucks that you’re leaving us too soon coach #Dave Omni Combat Thank you for opening the doors of your temple for me to train with you... thanks for believing in me when no one did…thanks for letting me stay at your gym when I didn’t have a place to stay… thank you for making me the fighter I am now. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done not just for me but for everyone you have helped. Love you Coach Dave. R.I.P. Bobby Rigalos is with Omni Combat August 30 at 10:37 AM Hallandale Beach To say the Fight World has lost an amazing man, would be an understatement! Coach Dave Clarke was as tough as they come and yet as humble and grounded as any human can possibly be. Coach Dave Clarke’s smile and energy was infectious and will forever remain in my mind and heart! I will definitely miss our morning chats at DD’S! God Bless You! Until we meet again my Brother! David Junior Coach Dave completed his God-given mission. We grieve today, but we must carry on the messages he taught and gave us. Thank you Dave, your mission is accomplished. I hope I can live up to your expectations.
Jeff Janvier August 29 at 9:47 PM · I’m beyond hurt! My father, mentor and best friend is gone. Coach, thank you for changing my life and helping me to become a better man. You are the Greatest!!! I will make you proud.
Ash Kembai August 30 at 10:32 AM · My Coach died today, but WILL NEVER be forgotten. That’s STILL MY COACH! I’m so hurt right now, but I’m grateful for EVERYTHING he’s done to unlock the Master, Mentor and Martial Artist in me. I MUST continue his legacy! He put too much into me not to! We are one! #OSS
OMNI COMBAT…
…the heartbeat of Coach Dave
• Partnership with Hallandale Beach PAL (Police Athletic League) • A place that provides an option for youngsters without direction – keeping kids off the streets • “…when it comes to conditioning, nobody gets their people in better shape than we do.” • Many trainers send their fighters to Clarke for the ultimate workout.
THANK YOU As a family we are still reeling from this sudden loss; Dave’s passing has left a void that cannot be filled. In the midst of sorrow however, we have seen the hands of God outstretched and the love of God displayed through all of you who have come alongside us on this painful journey. You have ministered to us in various ways and we appreciate every kind act, each gift, your words of encouragement, and your prayers. Together we can make it – We are Fighters! The Clarke Family
Professional Services
Royal Funeral Service Inc. 17475 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 305-625-6818
Interment
Vista Memorial Gardens 14200 NW 57 Ave Miami Lakes, FL
Repast
Pentecostal Tabernacle Banquet Hall 18415 NW 7th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33169
Pallbearers Douglas Bailey William Edwards Jr. Patrick Williams Jeffrey Janvier Cesar Martinez Gregory Hippolyte
Concept Design & Editing Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting 954-439-5615
Printing
Uncle Uncle Cousin Friend Friend Friend
Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org
Art Direction & Layout
Gracious GraFX Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016
THE MEMORIAL KEEPSAKE A Production of
Gracious GraFX and Love CareFronting