Raymond Henry Clarke

The world was truly blessed on January 27, 1920 when Raymond Henry Clarke was born to the late William and Mary Clarke. Ray, affectionately known as “Sonny” and “Joe”, was the third oldest of eight brothers and sisters. On March 25, 2009, he was called home to be with his father after eighty-nine wonderful years. His sisters, Elizabeth, Marion, and Jeannette, along with his brothers, Roosevelt, Norman and William all preceded him in death.Ray was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools. Upon completion of his education, Ray joined the United States Army. Later, Ray was employed with the City of Baltimore and was employed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees (AFSCME) as the assistant director as well as the president of Local #44. He retired from these positions after many years of dedicated service. Ray was also a beloved member of all Saint’s Catholic Church.In 1943 Ray married the former Mary Brooks (who preceded him in death). Out of this love-filled union, four daughters were born: Shindana, Renne, Barbara (who preceded him death) and Belinda.Ray loved to travel and go out to eat. He loved to tell stories of his travels, his childhood life in the Union. He also loved sports, especially baseball. Most of all, Ray loved his family and would do anything for them. He was especially closed to his brothers Howard and William, and the three of them never let a day go by without talking or visiting each other. They faithfully went out to eat at least once a month. He made numerous friends wherever he went and he will be truly missed by all who knew him. He was a true father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother and friend.Ray leave to cherish his memory: his brother, Howard Clarke; his three daughters, Shindana Cooper, Renne Brown, and Belins Clarke; son-in-law, George Brown; grandchildren, Malaika Cooper, Tanya Kirton, Raymon Sharp, Damion Harris, Stephen Cooper, Toya Cooper, Barbara Carter, Harold Hilliard, Mary Allen, Karan Brussard, Kenith Lewis, Keith Lewis, Kendall Lewis, Kyesha Lewis, Roxanne Palmer and Ann Griggs; grandson-in-law, Anthony Kirton; granddaughter-in-law, Latara Harris; great-grandchildren, Trinidi Ford, Daryl, Kortnei, Tyesha, Latosha, Alisha Moss, Evonte Douglas, Romaine, Casino and Skyla Sharpe, Jasmine, Cari, Damion, Dayton, Carmen and Christian Harris, Ria and Maia Freeman, Jayden and Stephen Cooper III, Teri-Imari and Kyeran Carter, Jordan, Ja’Kel and Jayden Allen, Kashya, Peter and Kayla Brussard; great-great-grandson, Tyrone Vincent III, affectionately known as “Lil Sonny;” and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Raymond Henry Clarke

January 27, 1920 - March 25, 2009