Loraine Clarke

A Legacy of Love and Friendship

We celebrate with thanksgiving, the life of a wife of 41 years to Michael and sister-in-law to the Clarke family. A sister to Lambert, Lorna, Lesline and Eddie. A stepmother to Sheldon. An aunt, niece, cousin, confidante, true friend and neighbor of many. These and many more descriptions represent the life of Loraine C. Brown, later Clarke, the 4th child of Levi and Edna Brown.

Biography & Early Life

Loraine grew up in Standpipe with her family. She went to school at Providence Primary and St. Hugh’s High School in Jamaica and later the John Adams High School in Queens, NY. She enjoyed a happy childhood and cultivated many friendships, many of which still exist today. She played netball, and enjoyed singing and dancing, especially to country and western music.

The New York Journey

In January 1977 Loraine, along with her sisters Lorna and Lesline left Jamaica to reside in Brooklyn, New York. A new life began as Loraine completed high school and started working. She worked with New York Telephone Company (which we now know as Verizon), retiring in 2010 after 31 years of service.

Loraine married the love of her life Michael Clarke on June 6th, 1981. For 41 years, Michael has been her anchor and rock, her everything. They vowed “Until death do us part” and faithfully modeled that oath through their years. Their families were integrated - the Browns and the Clarkes knew no separation. On June 6th, 2022, Loraine and Michael renewed their vows surrounded by family and friends. She looked at him with love in her eyes, quickly and proudly responding “Yes, yes, yes!” as their Pastor asked her to confirm her love for Michael.

Loraine and Michael moved to Long Island in 1986, building many friendships in their workplaces and community. Loraine was the one who remembered all the birthdays, all the anniversaries, how everyone was related, and where they met. Later Loraine and the rest of the family would meet and build a relationship with little brother Eddie.

Family Life

Family was everything to Loraine. She loved her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews passionately. It didn’t matter whether they were in-laws, or part of her great extended family of friends - she participated in their lives with love and joy.

Adventure & Hobbies

Loraine was an avid gardener, crafter, learner and adventurer. She crocheted, knitted, painted and skilfully used her hands to create clothing and artwork. She taught others how to craft and encouraged others to make use of their hands and keep their minds active. She read books, did puzzles and tried to learn as many languages as possible.

Loraine broadened her horizons through travel with her beloved husband, other family members and friends. Her garden was her happy place as she loved beautiful flowers and would often send pictures of each to her loved ones. She spent hours working with Michael to tend the garden. Every corner of which had something bright and blooming. She felt peace and pleasure as she sat in her backyard or walked through her front yard, enjoying nature.

Friendship / Hospitality / Final Days

Loraine lived her life loving and helping others. For her, not doing that would be living in vain. A quick call or visit was the norm for her, especially on special days. She actively listened and cared about what the other person was sharing. "You alright?" was her mantra. She wanted to make sure everyone around her was fine. It was her way of showing her love, care and compassion.

She had her fair share of challenges, like everyone else, but she never asked “Why me?” Instead she took the lessons and shared them with others. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she decided to fight - and that she did bravely. She never let go of her life’s purpose - to encourage others along the way.

Her last days were filled with love - the same love she spent years giving to others. When she knew that she was going on to the next phase of her journey, she prepared her loved ones, sharing a special parting word with each. She truly left a legacy of love and friendship for all of us to cherish.

Loraine prayed to stay alive to celebrate one more wedding anniversary with the love of her life. Her prayers were answered. In their garden, surrounded by her family and friends, Loraine shared in one final celebration. She graciously smiled for the pictures although her fatigue was evident.

Loraine embraced her uniqueness. She said that the rare form of cancer she had was one of the unique things about her - she was Loraine with one “r”. She was left-handed. She had a unique birthmark. She had many children - her “pickneys” - who were older than she was. Loraine was one of a kind. She was the rare person who left a mark on everyone she interacted with - even if the interaction was brief, you would remember her love, her words of wisdom, her laugh, her talent. You would remember her.

Loraine carried out her life’s purpose with all she had, leaving an indelible mark. She understood that her assignment on this side of heaven was complete. The day came on June 9, 2022. She transitioned from this life to the next, and she did it her way. She was brave and submitted to God’s will for her life. At the hour of her passing, Michael placed a red rose on her chest, giving her permission to go. Oh what love!

She leaves behind her loving husband Michael, the rest of her family, and a host of friends. Her wisdom and her legacy of love and friendship will remain with us forever.

Loraine Carmeta Clarke - With brave wings she flies. Her loving memory we’ll always keep.

Zoom Services will go live on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 9:45 AM

Meeting ID #761 770 1065

Password: Clarke

Please Note: This service is provided with ZOOM access only. It will not work on any other Social Platform, you must have Zoom to participate.

Repast Immediately Following Internment
 Huntington Assembly of God
 1700 New York Ave.
 Huntington Station, NY 11746

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loraine Clarke, please visit our floral store.