WHEREAS, Frances Virginia Matthews Clarke, a beloved wife and mother, devoted educator, and highly admired member of the Brunswick County community, died in September 2017; and

WHEREAS, born in Brunswick County in 1923, Frances Clarke graduated from Lawrenceville High School and Madison College, where she was a member of the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma; and

WHEREAS, after completing college, Frances Clarke left for San Antonio, Texas, with her eldest brother; while there, she married 2nd Lieutenant Garland Lewis Clarke; and

WHEREAS, at the end of World War II, Frances Clarke returned to Brunswick County, where she taught sixth and seventh grade mathematics; her husband helped lead his family retail business, Clarke's Department Store; and

WHEREAS, along with her work as an educator, Frances Clarke was a dedicated member of the Brunswick County community; she enjoyed fellowship and worship at Lawrenceville Baptist Church and was active in the Brunswick Garden Club, the Women's Club, and several other civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, Frances Clarke treasured her family and often used her home as a holiday gathering place and informal bed and breakfast for visiting relatives; she was also an avid gardener and bridge player who enjoyed reading, knitting, traveling, and bird-watching; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, Garland Lewis Clarke, Frances Clarke will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her three daughters, Susan Schaar, Sandra Hart, and Lynn Rucker, and their families, and many other family members, friends, and members of the Brunswick County community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Frances Virginia Matthews Clarke, a respected educator and resident of Brunswick County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Chief Deputy Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Frances Virginia Matthews Clarke as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.