Iris Josephine Alderman Clarke

Mrs. Iris Josephine Alderman Clarke, 77, of Winston-Salem, departed this life on July 28, 2008 at the Brian center in Lincolnton, NC after a stay of 6 months. Mrs. Clarke was born July 10, 1931, to Hamilton and Josie Spainhour Alderman. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she attended until her health no longer permitted. She enjoyed watching the birds in her yard and found pleasure in her flowers and plants, and she could tell you about every single one and where it came from. She was a private duty nurse for many years where she gave loving care to her patients and support to their families. She was always taking care of others, her sister, sister-in-law, friends, and of course her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Preceding her in death was her husband of 46 years, Lowell Earl Clarke; her parents; seven brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her son, David Lowell Clarke; her daughters, Susan Clarke Medley and husband Mark, and Sharon Lynn Clarke; her grandchildren, Jason Lowell Clarke and Jessica Nicole Clarke; a sister, Mrs. Nancie Charles of Portsmouth, VA; and several brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. For the past several years she has endured considerable pain with grace, and finally as the one who was a faithful helper to others, she became the one in need of help as her mind began to fail her. Although we will miss her greatly, we take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and her mind is clear, and she is now in Heaven with her Savior- her prayer has been answered. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of the Brian Center for the tender loving care they gave Josephine during her illness. We are especially grateful for Lisa McGhee, Director of Nursing, who in His infinite wisdom, God placed in David's life with such perfect timing. Lisa went ""above and beyond"" to ensure our loved one had the best care possible. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11:00am, Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Parklawn Memorial Park with the Rev. June Foss officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home.

Memorials:
Hospice & Palliative Care Lincoln County, 107 North Cedar St., Lincolnton, NC 28092 or to First Baptist Church Fellowship Fund, 501 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101-2791.

Cemetery:
Parklawn Memorial Park

Visitation:
06:00pm - 08:00pm on July 30, 2008 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel

Service:
Service at 11:00am on July 31, 2008 at Graveside