Joan Clarke

1935 - 2023

Joan Clarke, 87, passed away on August 13, 2023. She was born November 13, 1935 to the late Eva Pearl Phillips and Marvin Van Orden. Joan was originally from Ft. Worth, TX where she began her career as a Ballerina. After High School Joan travelled to New York City on a scholarship and trained under Prima Ballerina Alexandra Danilova. She also trained at the American School of Ballet in New York and was a member of the New York City Ballet Company for many years. She toured Europe with the Company and even once performed for the King of Belgium in Brussels. Later, she earned a B.A. in interior design at Mount Vernon College, was the Valedictorian of her class and delivered the valedictory address at the commencement ceremony. She started and owned an interior design firm in the Washington, DC area and Virginia Beach, VA. Some of Joan's hobbies and interests included ballet, the theater, painting and being around her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Clarke and his wife Mariette; daughter, Valerie Clarke; granddaughters, Kathryn, Michelle, Amanda; great grandchildren, Deacon, Alexandra; sister, Jane Hiett (husband Bob); brother Bob Van Orden; and numerous extended family and friends.

A memorial service will take place 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 25, 2023 at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.