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William Clarke Obituary
Joel was a native of Mobile, AL and had owned and operated Joel Clarke Jewelers in Jackson since 1981. He was a member of Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church. He had a very compassionate heart for those in bad situations and was always ready to help. Joel will be remembered as a kind and strong Christian who was fun to be around and loved by many. He had a tremendous love for children and will be deeply missed by all. His parents, William and Emma Lee Clarke preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Sasha Maksayeva Clarke of Ridgeland; daughters, Stephanie Lee Derrick (Jeffrey) of Boston and Erin Jane Clarke of Hattiesburg; sons, Daniel Clarke and John Clarke both of Ridgeland; sister, Jane Dorothy Visser (Bob) of Fairhope, AL; step mother, Joyce Clarke and mother-in-law, Natalia Maksayeva.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Christ Covenant School, 752 S Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Clarke
Loretta
November 11, 2010
I just learned of Joel's death when I went to have a ring sized last week, and asked about him. He was a very kind person, who will be missed. To his family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathy.
March 23, 2010
I met Joel when I went into his store in order to sell my diamond engagement ring. I had just filed for divorce from my husband of 19 yrs and was very distraught. Joel was so compassionate, kind, and understanding to my situation and I am so sorry to recently have learned of his death.
February 23, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Joel. I just found out. Ken and I moved to Fairhope, Ala. Feb of last year.
Joel was such a nice man. He was always ready to help and I considered him my friend. I will miss him.
Sasha I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I am so sorry for your lose.
I know he will be deeply missed.
Ann Lacey
Fairhope, Ala
Allan Carver
February 18, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about Joel. We tried to write earlier, but honestly, Kelly and I were at loss for words for quite awhile. We can only imagine how you feel. Just know, you’re with our thoughts.
You, Joel and Daniel were the bright spots in our lives for most of our time in Jackson. And when we moved back, leaving your family was, without a doubt, the hardest part.
Joel made things so much fun. A quick visit with Joel always brightened my day. A heart of gold is a clichéd phrase, but in Joel’s case, it’s a perfect description. It describes you as well. We miss you and Daniel. Kelly and I will try to call soon.
William Burkard
January 4, 2010
Heartfelt condolences to family and friends. I met Joel at his store when I first married and he always helped me with ideas for my wife. He was a wonderful person whose enthusiasm and excitement with attention to every detail made him an absolute pleasure to visit. I would always look forward to seeing what he would pick out for my wife. Please know that he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends
Joel and his son in happier times.
Jane Visser
December 29, 2009
Thanks to all who have submitted kind words and good memories of my brother, Joel. He was my friend as well as my brother for all of his 56 years. I am thankful that we can remember his life and how he touched many with a generous heart and a genuine concern for many people. Even though his death was sudden and tragic, we know that he knew his Lord and those that are "in Christ" are "assured that nothing can separate us from the love of God." (Romans 8:38)
December 28, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. Joel has always been a great friend & a fun character in the downtown Jackson business seen. I will miss him dearly. Sincerely, David Langley
Kathy Wortman
December 28, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss; you and your family are in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Love you, Kathy Wortman (601-918-5234)
Maxine Johnson
December 28, 2009
Words cannot express how sadden I am. I really cannot explain it. Joel was a great man, he was like family to me. He would always try and give me advice about things going own in my life. I considered him a dear friend. He will truely be missed. I know he new the Lord, and I also know he loved you Sasha, and the boys and the girls.. I don't understand what happened but the Lord knows. I will continue to pray for you and your family
Hiram & Linda Jennings
December 23, 2009
It’s been seven years since I’ve seen Joel Clarke, but I had to stop and figure that out. Joel was a presence. Once you knew him, you’d always known him. Not that you ever really knew him, for once you’d gone from A to B with Joel you’d find that he had gone to C and D. It wasn’t that he’d shut you out of any part of his life. It was simply that you’d be content with A and B and Joel would be content that you’d be content. But how many of you knew of Joel’s passion for motorcycles, for boating, for Woody Allen? I maintained some contact with Joel - mostly through my wife, Linda - during the years when I didn’t see him, and such a presence was he that it’s taken seven years to realize that I haven’t seen him. --- And I (Linda), finally getting to meet Joel, found that he was every bit the so-full-of-life guy that Hiram had described. Joel was a jewel.
Linda Rester
December 22, 2009
I had met Joel in the store, but also saw him often at the gym. He will be missed around there in the mornings. He was always very pleasant and friendly to talk to. Thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
Sasha Clarke
December 22, 2009
Dear Friends and Family!
All your comments about my Husband means alote for me and my kids... We are very touched with your love and compation for us. We missing him very very much and always will... He was incredible father and husband. He loved all of us with his big and generoust heart. His unconditional love for me and kids always will warm our hearts. Thank you again, to all of you,for your love and compation.
kathy king
December 22, 2009
I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Joel in 1991 when I got my wedding rings from Clarks's. He was a very kind man and will be missed in the Jackson area. Again, I am so very sorry and your entire family will be in my prayers.
Jay Powers
December 22, 2009
I remember the trips to NYC with Joel to buy diamonds for Clarke Jewelers. The time was always intense as we had to cram a lot into a little time. What I remember more than the doing business part (which was often a business by the seat of the pants approach) was Joels primary focus of being salt and light in a broken world. Even though we went our separate ways years ago; he remained an influence in my life.
Catherine (MS Family Doctors Pearl)
December 22, 2009
May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father encourage you and strenghen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.
Bob Gates
December 21, 2009
I am so very sorry. Joel was all ways a good friend to me.
December 21, 2009
May God be with you during this process... You are in our prayers...
Previous Customer from TX
Michael & Carrie Allen
December 21, 2009
My wife and I got our wedding rings from Joel and it was more than just a business transaction while helping us find the right ones . He will be missed. Our prayers go out to all the family. May God's grace, mercy and peace be with you always. God bless.
Michael & Carrie Allen
PATRICIA TANNER
December 21, 2009
JANE, I KNOW THAT YOU WILL FOREVER HOLD JOEL IN YOUR HEART JUST AS I HOLD BETH IN MINE,ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT HE IS REALLY ONLY A THOUGHT AWAY.AND THAT YOU CAN REACH HIM THAT QUICKLY.I WILL REMEMBER EACH OF JOEL'S LOVED ONES IM MY PRAYERS AND KEEP THEM IN MY HEART.
December 21, 2009
Our deepest sympathies to all of Joel's
family and friends. We were primarily
customers of his but know we had his friendship as well. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Margie Walker/Louis Dyson
Crystal Springs,Ms.
December 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gene Hawkins and Lucy Limaylla, Greenville, MS
Keith Ferguson
December 21, 2009
Joel was the 1st Wells Angel, a motorcycle club at Wells Church that he named. He revived my interest in riding and we had some great trips and rides together. He was a creative thinker and always passionate about his ideas. He was also very generous always supporting WellsFest and other chairitable events around town. Our prayers are for God's comfort and peace for his family, employees and friends and that Joel is experiencing supreme love, forgivness & healing in the arms of Jesus.
chris Grillis
December 20, 2009
We send our heartfelt condolensces to the entire Clarke family. Joel was a fine man and we'll mss him.
from the Chris Grillis family
Luda & Alex Ivanov
December 20, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Be strong as you were for him.
Michael and McKenna Fowler
December 20, 2009
Love and prayers to all your loved ones. Joel was an extremely selfless person who made a heartfelt impression on many people. We grieve along with you. May the Lord be with you during this difficult time.
Nadalyn Miller
December 20, 2009
Dear Sasha;
I am so sorry that you have to experience this. Joel was always so good to me and did so many things to help me. I will never forget him. You and your children are in my prayers.
Love,
Nadalyn Miller
Dallas, Texas
Belinda VanHoozer
December 20, 2009
I worked for Joel for several year. He was a wonderful man., a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by all that new him. My heart goes out to Sasha and his children. He truly loved you all.I will pray for all of you and I hope you will find comfort in knowing Joel truly loved you all and I pray you will find comfort with the Lord's help and remembering the good times, laughs and love that he brought into your lives has well as others.My love to you all and you all will continue to be in my prayers. " Belinda VanHoozer "
Dianna Tisdale
December 20, 2009
All who know him, grieve with you. Love and blessings to you and your loved ones.
John Moore
December 20, 2009
He was such a nice man. So sorry for the family.
Laouida Dunn
December 20, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Joe and Beth Farmer
December 20, 2009
Please accept our condolences.
Gary Phillips
December 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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