George Wilbert (G.W.) Clarke passed away from heart failure at Akron City Hospital on Thursday, January 7, 2021.

George grew up in Clayton, North Carolina.  He attended public schools there and served in the Army, receiving the rank of the first sergeant.

He graduated from St. Augustine College in Raleigh, N.C., and studied further at Kent State and Johns Hopkins University.  He was married to Vivian Harris (deceased), and to this union were born Constance Collen Jefferson and Anthony Dane Clarke.  The Clarke family moved to Akron in 1951 and became the founding members of St. Philips Episcopal Church.  George served as a lay-minister and taught Bible school over a span of sixty years.  The family moved to Liberia, West Africa under the auspices of the Missionary Division of the Episcopal Church.  George taught history, and economics at Cuttington College and Divinity School.

Upon their return to Akron, George had a number of interesting occupations before becoming an educator in the Akron Public Schools.  He influenced numerous students during his tenure with the system.  George was a life-long member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was a founder of Chapter XiChi and Beta Beta.  He was also a Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Naomi Clarke; six siblings; son, Anthony Dane Clarke; daughter, Paula Moore.

Survivors include his daughter, Constance (Harold) Jefferson; step-daughter, Maria (Ricky) Oliver; granddaughters, Nicole Leland and Laquia Bradford; grandson, Brett Morgan; sister-in-law, Doris Carroll of Flint, Michigan, many great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives in North Carolina.

Condolences may be sent to 3614 Raymont Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118.