Mrs. Ruth Barton Clarke

Mrs. Ruth Barton Clarke, age 89, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Hock Family Pavilion. May her soul Rest In Peace. Ruth Barton Clarke was born on January 19, 1934, in Kannapolis, NC to the late Will Massey and Edna Brown Barton. Mrs. Clarke began her heavenly journey on December 7, 2023 at Hock Family Pavilion, a Duke Hospice facility. She was preceded in death by her husband George Clarke and nine siblings, including her twin brother Robert Barton. Ruth was educated at George Washington Carver High School, in Kannapolis, NC, graduating in the Class of 1952. She was employed by NC Congressman Hugh Alexander for many years and remained connected to the family for decades. Ruth was a lifetime member of her “home church”, Marable Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, which she faithfully blessed, supported and attended, whenever possible. The union of George and Ruth Clarke, birthed one son, Tique Clarke. They lived in Morganton, NC before relocating to Durham, NC. Ruth was a homemaker and mother who loved to cook, clean, entertain and shop! When her husband George was blessed with a professorship at the prestigious North Carolina Central University, it also allowed an opportunity for Ruth to display her professional culinary skills. She would become the original leader of the Eagle’s Nest, an eating location on campus, which offered alternatives to the traditional cafeteria options, such as: home-cooked meals, sandwich options, and more at nominal prices; prepared by “The Connoisseur”. During her stay at NCCU, Ruth was well-known, well-respected, and well-loved by students and staff. She reached out to many students who were away from home as well as locals. She developed special, long-lasting relationships, nurtured and encouraged successful ventures. Ruth has been a devoted member of St. Joseph A.M.E. Church for decades, lifting up God and His goodness, sharing and caring, being a blessing to others. She always looked forward to preparing menus and meals, along with her “Fabulous Kitchen Committee”. She was also a member of the Sarah Allen Missionary Board, Stewardess Board #1, and Altar Guild. She also showed great concern for the sick and shut-in and less fortunate. She leaves to cherish lifelong memories, one son - Tique Clarke of Durham, NC; two granddaughters, Melanie Collins of Cary, NC and Leia Clarke of Raleigh, NC; one bonus grandson, David Neal of Durham, NC; one great-grandson, RasElijah Clarke-Davis of Raleigh, NC; one God-Son, Jeff Daye of Durham, NC; one sister, Linda Kay Shoemake of Charlotte, NC; a host of special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. May the work she’s done, speak for her. Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Ruth Barton Clarke will take place on Friday, December 15, 2023, at St. Joseph AME Church, 2521 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707, at 1:00 p.m., with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Beechwood Cemetery. The Celebration of Life Service will be streamed live via: -YouTube St Joseph AME Church -Facebook St Joseph AME Church Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Ruth Barton Clarke

January 19, 1934 - December 7, 2023