Eleanor Rose Clark

November 2, 2012

SUFFOLK — Early Friday morning on Nov. 2, 2012, the sun set quietly and God saw that one of his devoted servants needed to rest from her labors — Eleanor Rose Clark (“Baby Sis”) was called home. Eleanor was born on Dec. 25, 1940, in (Nansemond County) Suffolk, Va., to the late John W. and Annie P. Boone. She was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary E. Thorne (Edward) and Bessie E. Bond, and brother Robert “Bobby Ray” Boone Sr.

Eleanor attended Mary E. Estes, East Suffolk, John F. Kennedy and Woodrow Wilson High School, from which she received her diploma. She also attended Paul D. Camp and Tidewater Community Colleges, where she received a clerk typist certificate.

She began to show her commitment to Jesus Christ as a member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church, where she was an active member contributing in any way possible. She later became a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Mahan Street for several years, serving on various church committees, programs and in the Usher Ministry.

Eleanor was married to Floyd R. Clark, who preceded her in death in January 1986. She was the mother of six children, of which one of her sons, Tonieyo A. Baker, preceded her in death in May of 1987.

Eleanor’s astute community service based career highlights included Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry dock, Insurance Sales (Universal Life, Southwestern General, Gulf Life and Home Beneficial) and Suffolk Public Schools. In her latter years, she dedicated herself to public service by serving for many years as the past president of the South Suffolk/Pleasant Hill Civic League, Historical Board, Officer of Elections Board, treasurer of the East Suffolk Federated Civic League, where she was also recognized for her community service, and as a Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Commissioner. Through her community service efforts, she was very instrumental in the repair of unpaved streets in South Suffolk, the main entrance signage for South Suffolk, and the repair and renovation of the Mary E. Estes Park. She also participated and completed the Citizens Police Academy sponsored by the Suffolk Police Department. Lastly, she was a member of the Nansemond Chapter 31 Eastern Star Organization. She always had a desire to assist the elderly, youth and those less fortunate in all communities.

Eleanor leaves behind to cherish her memory two sons, George L. Baker Jr. (Valerie), of Paterson, N.J., and John L. Baker (Jessica), of Elizabeth City, N.C.; four daughters, Rosa Annette Baker-Battle (Ilanders), of Suffolk, Va., Renina N. Baker (Vincent), of Norfolk, Va., Violette T. Weathers (Demetrius), of Manassas, Va. and Tamela T. McCloud (Julius Sr.), of Chesapeake, Va.; a brother, Joseph H. Boone (Loretta), of Suffolk, Va.; an aunt, Blannie Majette (James), of Potecasi, N.C.; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, other family and friends.

Ms. Clark will be on view Thursday, Nov. 8, at Crocker Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at 108 Lewis Ave. at all other times. A homegoing service for Ms. Clark will take place on Friday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Mahan Street, Dr. Steven G. Blunt, eulogist. Ms. Clark will be laid to rest at Carver Memorial Cemetery following the service. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.