Mary “Penny” Peters Clarke went to be with her Heavenly Father suddenly on Saturday, August 9, 2025. She was born to Jack and Ethel [Lake] Peters on November 2, 1945, in Belleville, IL. What a gift she proved to be to her parents, her sister Deborah, and brother, Jack. She was a true blessing to her family, her friends, and all those she loved. In fact, if one word can describe any human being, the word that would best describe Penny is love; it was and is the very essence of who she was.
After graduating from Notre Dame Academy and Eastern Illinois University, she became a teacher, which she was born to do. During that time, she met the love of her life, Ron, who was stationed at Scott Air Force Base; they married on June 27, 1970. Together, they had two children, her greatest blessings, Jason and Heather. After she spent the next several years as a homemaker caring for her family, she returned to teaching with Hampton City Schools, spending the majority of her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Aberdeen Elementary School. Her passion and love for her students and teaching earned her the Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Then, her joy and heart expanded even more with the addition of Heather’s husband, Doug Copeland, and Jason’s wife, Amanda Peters. With them came more love—Dylan and Landon Copeland and Michael and Emily Clarke. Her grandchildren were her greatest blessings, and she cared for and loved them tirelessly.
Like all of us, her life was filled with excitement, sorrow, and joy. Like all of us, she had trials and accomplishments, successes and failures, joys and sorrows. In all of this, there was one dominant gift she gave. It ruled her life and enriched everyone around her. That one gift she gave to family, students, and all her friends, especially her dear and faithful church friends, and her God—it was love—it defined her. She was indeed an image of Christ among us. She was deeply passionate about her volunteer work, especially at Catholic Charities—she also volunteered alongside Ron at the St. Vincent’s De Paul Catholic Church Soup Kitchen as well as the Natasha House in Yorktown, coordinating birthday parties for the children. She was always there for anyone who needed her.
She and Ron were on the kickoff team for the ACTS retreat, and to say that it changed their lives would be an understatement. The retreat brought them their greatest and most treasured friendships. Church activities and friends were a priority. Together, they found joy in family and in the service of others.
Penny is survived by her beloved sister S. Deborah Peters and brother Jack Peters, her son Jason and wife Amanda [Peters] Clarke of Yorktown, their children Michael and Emily; her daughter Heather and husband Doug Copeland of Poquoson, their sons Dylan and Landon; and all her wonderful friends whom she shared life with from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Community. She is also survived by her sweet Gracie, her faithful and loving dog.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Lt. Col. Ronald Clarke, her parents, Jack and Ethel Peters, and Ron’s mother, Deenie Clarke, whom she loved deeply.
Donations may be made to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen.
A funeral service will be held at Bethel Manor Chapel on Friday, August 15, at 2:00 p.m.
16 Comments
Amanda and the Clarke family: My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I am sure Mary’s legacy will continue to live through you and those she has had deep connections with. May her soul rest in peace. Take care.
Penny was a wonderful person. Love indeed described her. Boundless energy to help others. She will be greatly missed by those close to her and those who knew her.
I am sorry I won’t be able to attend the mass. Penny was a dear friend. RIP Penny
To my very dear friend, sadness is in my heart. Love, Pat
Penny and I were friends from Eastern Illinois University and graduated in 1967. Then when I took a teaching position in Belleville, IL our friendship continued. it brought me great joy to see her marry Ron Clark. Nancy Coates and I were roommates in an apartment building and Ron was our neighbor. Introducing these two wonderful people resulted in a beautiful love, almost instantly.
Lou and I are so sad your sweet and loving Mother is no longer with you on earth. We believe she’s now with your Dad. Sympathy to all her family.
Though we were miles apart, Penny and I remained friends for years, as did our husbands. Ron and Penny were a tough act to follow, but they inspired the best in all of us. I shall miss our late night phone calls and that wonderful laugh. It has been a pleasure calling her my friend.
I was shocked and heartbroken to learn of Penny’s sudden passing. We were neighbors and I met Penny through her sweet dog, Gracie. Gracie would frequently join our neighborhood group of dog owner friends who get together for walks. We will truly miss Penny and her little Gracie. My deepest condolences to the family.
I am in shock and so saddened by the news of Penny’s passing. We go way back to grade school and then through four years at the Academy of Notre Dame as good friends. Such a caring person.God has gotten a special person to join him in heaven. I always thought I would see her again but it was not meant to be.
Condolences to the family. Penny was such a generous person. My heart goes out to all she touched.
I taught with Penny at Aberdeen and later with her daughter. She was a wonderful friend and teacher. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to her family.
My heart goes out to all of you! Unfortunately I lost contact with Penny over the years. We went to grade school and high school together. Her mom and dad owned the tavern on South Illinois. My parents owned the Red and White Grocery Store on South Illinois. May all of you find peace that you had an awesome woman in your life.
I am torn between grief and joy. Penny was dear to many of us so there is profound grief. As a fellow ‘biblical bookworm’ we shared many lunches, studies, insights and retreats over the years. As I grapple with grief, however, I can’t help but feel great joy as I know Penny has met her Lord and Savior whom she served all her life AND has been reunited with her beloved Ron. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to all who knew and loved this sweet lady and will miss her dearly.
Sweet Penny, may God keep you close and bless all your friends and family so that one day they may all be with you once again in heaven with you and Christ our savior forever. You were always a blessing to us all and I’m sure you are a blessing in heaven and always will be. Please watch over all of us here on Earth and keep us all in prayer as we will always keep you. Blessings, until we meet again my friend.
Sending our deepest sympathies. Penny was in our wedding 60 years ago, 9/4/65 and sent us an anniversary ornament with a lovely note. We had fun together in academy of Notre Dame high school, Belleville. She was as kind back then as written now. It was an honor to know her .
We met Penny through her traveling companion, Sonja Beland. She was a fun; vibrant person and we loved getting to know her even if it was for a short while. Our heartfelt condolences to her family.