At the age of 67, Laurie Read Clarke passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, following a courageous and difficult battle with cancer. Laurie faced her illness just as she lived her life—with fierce independence, quiet strength, and unwavering grace.
Born in Newport News, Laurie was the daughter of the late Julie Bruening Clarke and Ashton Whitley Clarke, Jr. She was a cherished sister to Kimberly Clarke Armatis and Jodie Clarke McClement (Jim). Laurie’s warmth and love extended deeply into the next generations; she was a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews, Clarke, Lauren, Lindsey, Jamie, Christine, and Philip, as well as her three great-nieces, Hampton, Hattie, and Avery, and her great-nephew, Ashton.
After graduating from Peninsula Catholic High School and completing her undergraduate studies, Laurie went on to get her MBA. For 24 years, she was a dedicated employee of Newport News Shipbuilding.
As an adult, Laurie made her home in Suffolk, where she built a beautiful life anchored by a small, close-knit circle of loyal friends. One of the special joys in her life was her Yorkies, T-Bone and Barclay, who held a very, very special place in her heart. She also enjoyed gardening (and had quite a green thumb) and fishing. But her true happy place was sunrise, sunset, and everything in between at the Outer Banks.
Laurie will be remembered for her vibrant laughter, her deep capacity to love, her absolute loyalty, and her independent spirit.
A graveside service will be held on Sat., Oct. 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the family cemetery at Lebanon Christian Church, 409 Yorktown Rd., Newport News.
In lieu of flowers, kindly honor Laurie with a donation to the Yorkie Rescue of America organization at www.yorkierescueofamerica.org.