Joan Clarke - Memorial Service by Tashiya Young

Celebrating a Life in Full Bloom Joan Yvonne Clarke

MEMORIAL SERVICE Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church Kingston, Jamaica Sunday, October 3, 2021 11:00am Local Time Pre-Service Tributes begin at 10:45am

Order of Service

Acknowledgments 9 Photo Gallery

contents

Tributes 18

order of service

Opening Sentences & Welcome Pastor Anthony Taylor Senior Pastor Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church Prayer Mr. Andrew Ranglin First Elder Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church Hymn of Confidence “Great is Thy Faithfulness” “The Boys”

reat is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. Refrain: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Scripture of Confidence Lamentations 3:21-23 Mrs. Patrice Burke Niece 2

Her

CHRISTIAN MISSION

Mr. Paul Douglas Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists & Friend Dr. Meric Walker Executive Secretary Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Dr. Eric Nathan President East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Mrs. Claudette Genas Director of Women’s, Children’s and Family Ministries East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists A Church Bouquet Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church Family Musical Tribute “I Never Lost My Praise” Ms. René Brown

Her

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL IMPACT Dr. Artnel Henry Former Executive Director Bureau of Standards Jamaica (Read by Pastor Michael Henry) Professor Elizabeth Thomas-Hope St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School Alumnae Dr. Josephine Robertson Friend Yada Yadas “Sistas”

Hymn of Comfort “Sweet the Time, Exceeding Sweet” Mr. David Hutchinson

weet the time, exceeding sweet! When the saints together meet When the Saviour is the theme, When they join to sing of Him.

Sing we then eternal love, Such as did the Father move He beheld the world undone, Loved the world and gave His Son. Sing the Son’s amazing love; How He left the realms above, Took our nature and our place, Lived and died to save our race. Sing we, too, the Spirit’s love; With our stubborn hearts He strove, Filled our minds with grief and fear, Brought the precious Savior near. Sweet the time, exceeding sweet, When the saints in heav’n shall meet Jesus still will be the theme, They shall always sing of Him.

Family

REMEMBRANCE

“Yuh Know Di Recipe?” Nieces and Nephews Eulogy Ms. P. Angela Dennis Sister “Wi Odda Modda” Mr. Herbert Blackwood & Dr. Joan Alvaranga 4

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3: 21-23 (NKJV)

Scripture of Assurance 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 Mr. Dain Clarke Nephew Musical Selection “The Holy City” Ms. Sashekia Brown

Homily Elder Derek Bignall Retired Church Administrator

Prayer for the Family Pastor Glen Samuels President West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Vote of Thanks Dr. Kathy-Ann Yawingu Niece

Hymn of Reassurance “Does Jesus Care” Mr. & Mrs. Keith Taylor

oes Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long? Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares. Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near? Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong; When for my deep grief there is no relief, Though my tears flow all the night long? Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks— Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

he family of the late Joan Clarke would like to express sincere appreciation for your presents and presence during this time of great loss. Your prayers, words of encouragement and condolences have helped to lift our spirits. Thanks to Pastor Anthony Taylor and the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church family. In particular, we want to thank the Kencot Seventhday Adventist Church Media Ministry that made it possible to have a global celebration of her life given the restrictions necessitated by the pandemic. Daughter: Jacqueline Robinson Siblings: Osmond Clarke, Angela Dennis, Derrick Clarke Sisters-in-laws: Norma Clarke, Aldene Clarke Nieces and Nephews: Patrice Burke (Nigel, Brianna, Justin), Nicole Clarke (Diara), Craig Clarke, Jacqueline Bell (Bob, Rebecca, Caleb), Dain Clarke (Karlene, Dain-Leigh, Kara-Leigh), Gregory Clarke (Keisha, Braydon, Summer), Garth Clarke (Carson), Kathy-Ann Yawingu (Max, Thomas, Ben, Max Jr, John), Keiva Dennis, Kerice Dennis (Cleveland Wedderburn, Xolani), Deanne Clarke. Other greatly loved relatives

Interment Montage

acknowledgments

photo gallery

tributes

I will remember her kindness, guidance, courage and energy. She helped me “come out of my shell” as a young adult Christian who was rather shy and unassuming. Her willingness to go the extra mile for random people, her imaginative Sabbath School programs and her astute modeling of parent and business woman was deeply inspiring to me. She knew just how to juggle multiple balls from both the spiritual and secular realms without dropping any. I was glad to have been able to thank her for her love and mentorship to me and family while she was with us. May God comfort her family and many loved ones who, like her, now await the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life. See you in the morning, Joan. David Bradshaw

Joan was one of the most self-confident persons it was my privilege and pleasure to know. An energetic and engaging student, a purposeful and enthusiastic young person, she was a most dignified and attractive representative of the friends and family members of the community in which we lived. She neither flaunted her intellectual brilliance nor sought to be critical of fellow students or persons who may have been less than friendly. Her Christian values and her ability to see the good in others marked her out as a model student. Her energy, sense of purpose and her good humour ensured that she enjoyed the respect and the admiration of her peers, her teachers and the community in general. A life purposefully lived and an inspiration to all who knew her, she will always be treasured as a virtuous and godly woman. Ambassador Burchell Whiteman

Joan Clarke’s association with the Bureau of Standards Pension Fund spans many years of service on the Board of Trustees as Pensioner Trustee. First and foremost we remember Joan as our “resident pastor” who was charged with the task of invoking God’s presence at each sitting of the Board of Trustees. She knew a lot about the BSJ’s Pension Fund history. We grew to count on her tremendous knowledge and experience of the Fund’s history, which she shared freely. Joan applied herself to her role as Trustee, as if it were a love affair and not work - and truth be told - it was indeed work and very time consuming. Notwithstanding that, she was very passionate. We believe her true reward laid in the feeling of helping others. She had a heart of gold and had always encouraged members, especially during her tenure on the staff of the Bureau, to take action that would make for a reasonable standard of living when they retired. Joan was a fierce advocate who would defend, with every sinew of her being, any proposal which would redound to the benefit of the pensioners. She was ever mindful of the welfare of the pensioners and always sought means of impacting their lives, or that of their beneficiaries, in a meaningful way. Any investment proposal which was referred to the Board of Trustees would be examined meticulously. Joan did research. She was known to solicit opinions of persons involved in other pension funds as well as anyone with extensive experience in the industry, in order to get a good appreciation of what was presented. She was very measured and her wise counsel was respected. Interactions with other Trustees weren’t always staid and boring! Joan had a keen sense of humour, undeniable charm, a lighthearted way of doing things. Always pleasant. Her infectious giggle punctuated many moments. She was a woman of integrity, loyalty and passion. Things will never be the same. Her immeasurable contribution will be missed. We cannot replace her but we will attempt to draw inspiration from her exemplary conduct. Ms. Judith Campbell Manager, Human Resource Management & Development Corporate Services Division - Bureau of Standards Jamaica

I first met Joan in the mid 1980’s through a mutual friend, when she worked at the Bureau of Standards. We soon established that we shared many similar interests and the finer things of life. Thus began a strong and everlasting friendship. We shared many interesting, varied discussions and comparing notes. I would keep her abreast of the many bargains I came across. Until I was labelled “her partner in crime” and “we’re not trusted together”. We were foremost both strong in our Christian faith. Joan loved her Lord and her church. Sometimes taking on Church related projects in faith. Oftentimes I would get a call asking if I could assist her as she had a deadline for Sabbath. Just the way Joan asked I could never say no. She was a true fighter for standards and everything had to be done to perfection. Joan never allowed anything to get her down and was full of life, energy and love. She was kind to everyone and truly had a very soft heart. She did not waiver in giving of herself to all who came in contact with her. Hence the reason she was truly blessed. She was also never afraid to express or share her opinion unequivocally. Her encouragement to me at different times of my life will always be remembered and treasured. She always said that she admired me and my achievements and that she often used me as an example when speaking to many young women. Now as the curtains are closed, we will continue to treasure Joan, and we mourn not in the absence of faith or question the will of God. We mourn because she was a person who brought much joy to all whose lives she touched and because she exemplified the qualities of loyalty, devotion, caring and indeed being a true Christian. We also mourn not with any seeming appearance of Christian ingratitude but because we loved her and because she was a good woman who touched so many lives. We give thanks for the time she spent with us as she leaves a rich legacy which we shall cherish with pride, along with Jackie and other family members Joan, till we meet again to part no more, sleep well in God’s loving arms. Venita Walker

Aunt Joan was chief consultant to our Seniors Ministry. She attended our meetings to give us valuable advice. She utilized her beautiful decorating skills for all our functions, whether it was brunches, luncheons, soiree or a church service. She ensured that the color scheme was not repeated at any time. She would even sew new table cloths in order not to repeat any color scheme. Her advice for meals was always an easy one for the chefs. These dishes were always delectable, and excellently supervised at preparation time, at the Church’s Percy Centre Kitchen. There were times she would prepare some dishes herself, so she would not spoil the particular taste she desired. Her planning and organizing skills would come to the fore at our Fundraisers. She was our Assigned Elder for some of these functions at which we raised much funds for our department. We never bought gift baskets or flower baskets; they were lovingly created at ‘Aunt Joan’s Flower Shop’. Her Back Yard Garden of Orchids, were always lovingly shared with everyone when the necessity arose, which was very often. She would purchase an orchid for a gift, and if she became unhappy with her purchase she would take hers from her garden to add to it and even replace the one purchased. Elder Jacqulin Hall Senior’s Ministries Leader, Kencot SDA Church It was in the early 1980s that Joan was invited to be a leader of a committee to establish Women’s Ministry in Jamaica. She stood and served in that role with absolute distinction. She served for many years at the East Jamaica Conference level as Women’s Ministry representative for Kencot, as one of the main organizers for EJC’s Women’s Ministry Retreats and as the main planner and organizer for participation in an annual Women’s Ministry Prayer Retreat held in the US. At Kencot she served as Women’s Ministry Director for at least 4 years, as Elder in charge of Women’s Ministry, as Deputy Director of Women’s Ministry and as a member of the Women’s Ministry Directorate for more years than she herself could remember. Joan Clarke was Women’s Ministry. A few years ago, when asked, “Why did you work in Women’s Ministries?” She responded, “I wanted women to have more say in the church, to hear from women how the church is impacting them. I wanted to be a part of helping women to be better wives, mothers, members, better professional and community members. My most fulfilling service in the church has been in Women’s Ministry”. Ann Marie D. Smith Women’s Ministry Leader, Kencot SDA Church 24

Elder Joan Clarke was an assiduous worker for her Lord. She was a joyful servant leader in any area where she was given a mandate by her church in which to work. Elder Clarke was giving service to the Education Department of the Kencot SDA Church long before she was elected in 2016 to be an officer in the Department. Elder Clarke served the Department: On the scholarship selection team On the academic advising team As a mentor and spiritual advisor to the youth As a fundraiser for scholarship and other initiatives As a frequent host and executive chef for various events hosted by the department Elder Clarke cared about the work of the Education Department. She gave her time to the process of vetting applications sent to the George Dewar Bursary. She also made herself available to select recipients. Where students in the church were not doing well in their academic work, she sat with them to examine options and strategies for improvement. This went hand in hand with her work as a spiritual mentor and advisor to the many young (and not so young) members who called her Aunt Joan. Elder Clarke was also active on the ‘behind the scenes’ activities in the department. She was a tireless fundraiser and the local connection to benefactors such as the Friends of Kencot who made funds and electronic devices available to many needy students within the Kencot SDA Church. Elder Clarke was inimitable and her energy and enthusiasm for the work in the Education Department at Kencot has inspired perseverance in the team. Elder Evette Smith Johnson Education Director, Kencot SDA Church We have known and loved Joan Clarke for literally most of our lives. The day we went to Kencot, by the way Rosey went first, some persons jumped out at you. Joan is one of those persons. Rosey would publicly declare that Joan Clarke was partly responsible for her career development which blossomed at the Bureau of Standards, and later at the National Accreditation Body, and since then she has always been there for us. I remember getting my first degree close to my senior years. Joan was so pleased with my achievement that she invited me and my family to her house and prepared my favourite steam fish. Joan was integral in our children’s lives. She developed a special relationship with Rene during the year she worked at NCU. We love her dearly and we’re planning to meet her in the New Jerusalem. Praise God for a life well lived. Sefton & Rosey Brown 25

Here’s to the woman Who knows where she’s going And will keep on until she gets there Who knows not only what she wants from life But what she has to offer in return Here’s to the woman Who is loyal to family and friends Who expects no more from others Than she is willing to give Here’s to the woman Who gives unreservedly the gift of herself Who shows her caring With a word of support Her understanding with a smile A woman who brings joy to others Just by being herself Here’s to Joan Yvonne Clarke Adapted Over the past twenty years the women’s group, Yada Yada Sisters (a name adopted after having read Neta Jackson’s book series, The Yada Yada Prayer Group), has been blessed to have, as one of its members, this selfless servant of the kingdom of God, Joan Yvonne Clarke. As a group, these women have travelled and dined, laughed and cried, prayed and worshipped together, building among them a camaraderie and esprit de corps that has been an undeniable source of blessing to each and every member. The un-named leader, Joan played a major role in cultivating the group as a spiritual, social and emotional support system for members. The carpet in her living room has often been soaked with tears of anguish and pain and of praise and thanksgiving during the numerous prayer sessions it has accommodated over the years. Her dining table will be an unforgettable source of joy and delight as members reflect on the many delectable meals enjoyed there, to say nothing of the mouth-watering Easter buns and special event cakes that will now be only treasured memories. Also, members will now have to be content with their recollection of her beautiful backyard garden, adorned with exotic species of orchids and other gorgeous plants – a garden that was so often a welcome retreat for the group. Yes! Today we are downcast from the deep emotional pain that comes with the loss of our beloved sister, Joan but, as women of faith, our spirits soar when we remember that ‘God’s tomorrow will be better than today!’. Mrs. I.E. “Yvonne” Bignall On behalf of Yada Yada Sisters 26

I knew Joan from our interactions on the East Jamaica Conference Singles Committee in the early-to-mid 2010s. She was a source of solid advice and guidance to me and the other committee members, and she was always in good humor and great spirits. I was blessed to have made her acquaintance, and I look forward to seeing her again in the earth made new. Geoffrey Marshall Deepest sympathy to Jackie, and family. I am speechless, as I can’t believe that Joan is gone. May the Lord watch over you and family during this very difficult time. Joan was so special... Our go-toperson for remembering all of the names of the persons who went to St. Hilda’s with her from the mid-1950s to 1960. A fun person, she travelled with us to the many functions at St. Hilda’s, over the years. Kept us laughing with her many stories and jokes on the long trips from Kingston to St. Hilda’s & St. Marks Church in Brown’s Town. Oh, how could I forget her talks about her plants and flowers, especially the orchids. At School, she was a very kind prefect to us little ones, especially the many 8-9 year olds who were attending the school. I will miss her. Rest in peace, dear Joan, in the arms of the Almighty God, whom you served so well. Neverley Phillips I’ve known Aunty Joan since 1990 after meeting Jackie one Sabbath morning at Andrews Memorial SDA and she told me she’ll take me to Kencot. Aunt Joan took in this overseas student and I became regular Sabbath visitor. I loved her and later when she shared her story I realized I no longer had to stay in the shadows - I too had a work to do for God. In 2019, Gary and I got a chance to visit her at home. The Holy Spirit impressed me and though I remembered the area, I couldn’t remember the address. When I called, she was home and we rushed over there. We visited and talked about all kinds of issues and to top it off, Aunty Joan gave Gary (not me) a freshly baked Easter Bun. We thanked her and I hugged her but I thought I’d see her again the following year but COVID-19 hit. I, no we, my family will miss Aunt Joan but I’m more determined to make it to that land that is fairer than day where we will meet on that beautiful shore. Rest well Aunty Joan. See you on that great gettin’ up morning. Roslynne Thompson 27

Joan, I will miss your presence here on earth. I met you many years ago at the Jamaica Bureau of Standards where you were my immediate supervisor. You impressed me with your close relationship with God, your deep love for Jackie, your professionalism, great intelligence, wit, quick laugh, kindness and cooking skills. Your entire life has been a life of great service to God through your service to others, and you served as a role model for us all; never tire of doing good. May God bless your soul and may your life be a blessing to all whose lives you’ve touched. May God keep your daughter Jackie in His Loving Arms, safe, divinely guided and loved. Rest In Peace dear Joan. Marvia Lindsay Reid

I’ve known sister Joan Clarke for as long as I’ve been to Kencot, her smile is so contagious and she always looked happy! Flowers are therapeutic for me and every Sabbath she made you feel up when you’re down. She was a woman of integrity; a no nonsense practitioner; a woman of principle but loving in her ways, and most of all a strict leader who leads well; a woman of moral character and a woman who fears the Lord. She will be greatly missed; whose shoes are hard to fit. May her family find comfort knowing that she’s resting, waiting for that great getting up morning. May we be ready to meet and greet where we will never part again, hold on family we are almost home! Juliet Blake

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we write you to express our deep heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Elder Joan Clarke. I recall very vividly in 1985 when I had the pleasure and privilege to ordain her as the first lady elder of the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church. From that time until her passing, she has been a faithful and sincere elder, performing her office with sincerity and distinction. Our hope is that she has found peace with her Saviour and soon we will meet her when Jesus the life giver returns.

Dr. & Mrs. L.H. Walton

Of all Joan’s distinguished accomplishments, it is her legendary Easter bun that many of us will longingly remember. For most of her professional life, Joan, the chemist, worked in the field of Quality Assurance. In private life, Joan applied all of her professional expertise in the delicious science and art of bun making. In the weeks before Easter, Joan’s kitchen became a state-of-the-art laboratory from which the sweet smells of Jamaican spices floated. From far and near, Joan’s friends would descend on her for their special Easter treat. And her buns travelled all over the world. Friends and family in foreign made sure to put in their orders early. In April, my sister Donnette came home to celebrate her birthday. Even before she arrived, she was asking about bun from Joan. I breezily told her I had already ordered her bun. Joan was making a special one for Donnette without cherries and mixed fruit which she didn’t like. But because it wasn’t practical for Joan to bake just one custom-made bun, we were going to get two. A whole bun for each of us! This was a recipe for disaster. Joan’s bun was irresistible, full-house or not. It took superhuman discipline to eat only one slice at a time. I foolishly challenged myself with a near-impossible test. I was going to eat one slice every other day. Believe it or not, I succeeded for most of the month. But by the last week of April, I broke down and was eating a slice or two every day. Donnette was much more sensible than me. She froze half of her bun and took it home. The history of the Easter bun reveals another aspect of Joan’s life: her long-sustained generosity. Joan’s weighty Easter bun is descended from the much less substantial English hot cross bun. I learned this nursery rhyme in primary school: “Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! One a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns!” There’s a second verse which I don’t remember at all: “If you have no daughters, Give them to your sons. One a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns!”

[continued on next page] 29

The earliest record of the hot cross bun in England comes from 1361. Brother Thomas Rodcliffe, a monk at St Albans Abbey, created the ‘Alban Bun’ which was given to the poor on Good Friday. That’s the significance of the cross on the bun. It represents the crucifixion of Jesus. Like Brother Thomas, Joan would give away buns to the needy who certainly appreciated her generosity. All year round, she was always looking out for the needy. Last year, Joan got in touch about a family whose house had been destroyed. And she was asking for contributions to help them rebuild. She warned me that she didn’t want no small contribution. Needless to say, I had no option but to obey. A few months later she called to let me know that the family had moved into the house. Easter will no longer be the same without Joan. I will miss her hearty laughter as she would ask, “Is now yu ordering bun? And is how much yu want”? But she would always do up one last batch and another and another to make sure we all got our Easter bun. And she would even make out-of-season ‘Easter’ bun for special occasions. I certainly hope that Joan’s distinctive bun recipe has been preserved in writing. As a scientist, she would have known the value of documentation. Whoever inherits Joan’s legacy must surely keep alive her spirit of generosity. That’s the Easter promise of resurrection.

Professor Carolyn Cooper