LAURIE BUSH CLARKE

Laurie Bush Clarke, 89, of Donalsonville, Georgia, died on April 12, 2020, at Donalsonville Hospital. A private graveside service officiated by Raymond Gutterman will be held Tuesday, April 14, and a celebration of her life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Donalsonville at a later time. A native of Dooly County, Mrs. Clarke was born May 17, 1930. She was the only child of Tom and Ruth Noble Bush. In her youth she was surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins who continued to remain close to her throughout her life. She graduated from Tift College and then moved to Donalsonville to be the high school librarian where she met her husband of sixty-five years, John Bradley “J.B.” Clarke. Mrs. Clarke enjoyed life in Donalsonville for the remainder of her life, settling in the Little Hope Community and later living downtown in Donalsonville. Mrs. Clarke, affectionately known as “Miss Laurie” or “Uh Muh,” was a devoted wife and mother. She spent her life supporting her husband, children and grandchildren. Miss Laurie served as troop mother for Brownies and Girls Scouts. She taught Sunday School and supported Vacation Bible School and other youth activities long after her children and grandchildren were grown. She remained a faithful member of The First Presbyterian Church of Donalsonville and an active member of Wana Liddell Circle and Threads of Love. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Women of the Church for her service. Mrs. Clarke was an avid bridge player and enjoyed participating in many bridge clubs. She was an active member of Donalsonville Woman's Club for many years. She regularly volunteered at Donalsonville Senior Center and looked forward to calling Bingo. Having recently lost her husband and being confined to her home, she looked forward to nightly calls with her “adopted daughter,” Julia Hickson and held dear to her heart visits from life-long “Zoo Crew” friends. Mrs. Clarke is survived by her daughter, Luanne Clarke, of Atlanta, Georgia; her son, Brad Clarke and his wife Debbie of Donalsonville, Georgia; her grandchildren, John Clarke, of Iron City, Georgia; Lauren Clarke Johnson of Destin, Florida; Matt Darley and his wife BreAnna of Donalsonville; one grandchild, Reese Johnson, Destin, Florida; one nephew, Dave Roberts, Donalsonville, Georgia; and many beloved cousins, great-nephews and great-nieces. Mrs. Clarke was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Ruth Noble Bush; her husband, J.B. Clarke; her sister-in-law and her husband, Martha Jane and Truett Roberts; and one niece, Jane Roberts Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Donalsonville, Georgia, Friendship Cemetery Fund, or a favorite charity. Because of the current quarantine order, the family will not be able to receive visitors at this time.