Inez Butler Clarke

Inez Butler Clarke was born on July 14, 1942, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The daughter of the late Lawrence C. and Madie M. Butler, Inez grew up in a large, close-knit family with six sisters and two brothers. She attended Paul Laurence Dunbar and Horace Mann High Schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. The year before her graduation, the Governor closed public schools to resist integration-marking a historic and turbulent time. Inez was part of that pivotal era. While her friends and classmates, the Little Rock Nine, courageously faced national attention and unimaginable challenges at Little Rock Central High School, Inez chose to continue her journey in Stuttgart, Arkansas, where she graduated from Holman High School in 1960. That period became known as "The Lost Year."
Inez never allowed this setback to hold her back. She poured her energy into drama and acting and earned a scholarship to attend Philander Smith College to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Though she reluctantly declined the offer, the energy of the stage always remained in her heart. Her best friend Ruth once said, "The party didn't start until Inez arrived." She was the life of every gathering-full of laughter, joy, and good humor.
Many were surprised when she met Airman 1st Class Ronald H. Clarke, a quiet and reserved young man stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two formed a lasting bond and married in 1961. They shared 61 wonderful years together. After the birth of their first child, Rhonda Yvette, in 1962, Inez and Ronald began a new chapter in Philadelphia. After Ronald's discharge from the Air Force, they settled in Germantown, where they raised their family. Soon, daughter Alecia Lorraine and son Ronald Butler joined their sister Rhonda in the Clarke family's beloved corner home on Rittenhouse Street-where Inez and Ronald would live for more than 50 years.
Inez's faith was her foundation. She was baptized as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Little Rock, and later, alongside Ronald, became a member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Germantown. She eventually joined Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she found comfort and peace. Deeply committed to service, Inez worked in public education and was active in the Home and School Association, where she was recognized and awarded for her dedication. No matter the place, Inez immediately connected with her neighbors and new friends. She developed lifelong bonds with her "forever sisters," Cordelia Foster and Edwina Saunders, with whom she shared countless memories of travel, laughter, and love. Affectionately known as "Nez," she brought light and joy wherever she went.
Throughout her career, Inez worked in retail at several department stores before becoming a manager at Greater Atlantic Health Services and Aqua Water Company. Determined to achieve her dreams, she earned her bachelor's degree in political science from La Salle University in 1991 and was honored with the Student Activities Service Award.
Inez truly believed in "Living the Good Life!" Her generous heart and candid, joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She spoke her truth with warmth and humor, always aiming to lift spirits and spark laughter. She was like a second mother to many, known for her rare gift of making everyone feel valued. Her care came naturally and was rooted in her desire to comfort, uplift, and bring healing to those who needed it.
When her husband became ill, Inez gracefully stepped in to manage the family's finances with care and precision. Her diligence paid off, allowing her to live fully and travel often. With her radiant red lipstick and her favorite jewels, be they diamonds, silver, or rose gold, she was ready for any adventure, from class reunions across the country, to cruises with her sisters, or joyrides in her Cadillac. She embraced life with grace and style and would only slow down to love on her "grandbabies." Her grandchildren filled her life with joy, pride, and boundless energy. They lovingly called her "Mom-Mom," and she adored attending their performances, cheering them on, and reminding them to do their best and have fun.
In 2019, Inez and Ronald relocated to Stafford, Virginia, to spend their golden years closer to their daughters. Though she missed her friends and the vibrant life she'd built in Philadelphia, she found peace knowing she was surrounded by love and care. After Ronald's passing in 2023, Inez found comfort in music and simple joys-whether listening to her all-time favorite, Stevie Wonder, enjoying the blues, or playing solitaire on her iPad. She became especially fond of musician Michael Martino "Rocks," and even staged a 30-minute photo shoot just to update her Facebook picture before friending him. You always knew she was in her happy place when she swayed to his whiskey guitar blues.
In her later years, Inez was blessed with compassionate caregivers, Julia Hawthorne and Dorothea Hunt, whose kindness, laughter, and dancing filled her days with joy. She often said she felt as if she had known them her entire life. Surrounded by love, Inez never stopped telling jokes and sharing her bright spirit. She truly loved everybody.
Inez was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald, and their son, Ronald Butler Clarke.
She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Johnson (Arthur) and Alecia Witbeck; her grandchildren, Glenn McDonald (Stephanie), Gabrielle Chanel (Fernando), Ronald S. Clarke, Devlin Witbeck, and Cameron Witbeck; one great-grandson, Morgan McDonald, and, in her honor, one great-granddaughter Lucille Inez McDonald, born, 11 October 2025. She is also survived by her siblings, Louise B. Pierre – Los Angeles, CA, Rubye Butler – Minneapolis, MN, Valerie B. Jackson – Little Rock, AR, and Larry Butler – Little Rock, AR; their families; in-laws William (Mabel) Clarke, Bruce (Maryann) Clarke, Alzilee Johnson, and Charlene Wright; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Rest in Peace, Mommy, Mom-mom, Inez. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Inez, please visit our floral store.