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November 1, 1935 – April 6, 2025

Anna Jean Marshall Clarke, 89, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at her home in Engelhard.

Anna Jean was born in Hyde County, on November 1, 1935, to the late Thomas B. and Gladys Gibbs Marshall. She was married to Edward Royden Clarke for 67 years before he preceded her in death.

Anna Jean was a homemaker, an avid gardener, and a beloved Grandmother. Her rows of daffodils have long stood as a favorite local landmark, and a sure sign of Spring. Her playful nature and love for children earned her place as “Nana” in the hearts of many beyond just those of her ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She had a sharp wit, big heart and undeniable charm. If you visited long enough, she’d give you a list of things to get done. She was a strong presence in the Engelhard community, having owned Lake Landing Antiques, and serving in many capacities to organize and execute community activities, especially The Engelhard Seafood Festival.

Anna Jean shared her husband’s dedication to historical preservation, working alongside him on the Friends of the Mattamuskeet Lodge advisory committee, and various other projects protecting and researching local history. She was instrumental in ensuring that the stories of Hyde County’s World War II veterans, documented by Mr. Roy Clarke, were archived and made available to the public at the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo, North Carolina.

She loved her church and served on the Alter Guild as Churchwomen President for many years. She was proud of her home, her family and her history, and so many of us are proud she is part of ours.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Georges Episcopal Church with the Rev. Anne Dale officiating. The family will visit with friends in the fellowship hall following the service. A private family-only inurnment will take place at 4 p.m. in the Church Cemetery.

She is survived by two sons, Ed Clarke (Courtney) of Engelhard and Chris Clarke (Patrice) of Engelhard; two daughters, Kim Simmons (Donald) of Engelhard and Laura Camplese (Dennis) of Nashville, TN; nine grandchildren, Donald Simmons II, Anna Simmons Fincher, Sarah Camplese, Waylon Clarke, Cole Clarke, Matt Clarke, Thatch Clarke, Owen Bailey Clark, and Tank Clarke; and six great grandchildren, Kylie Simmons, Madelynn Clarke, Lizzie Fincher, Emmie Clarke, Kate Fincher and Camille Clarke.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Clarke, a grandson, Seth Camplese, and all her siblings: Phillip Marshall, Thomas Marshall, Jr, Gwendolyn M. Wagner, and Susie M. Jarvis. Also surviving and loved were her nieces and nephews, children of Gwen Wagner, Susie Jarvis, and Phillip Marshall, and special cousins Camille Arrington and Jean Hudson.

The family would like to thank Anna’s caregivers and Amedisys Hospice Care for their dedication and support. We would like to especially thank Hattie Dixon for her tireless love and care to both Roy and Anna.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions can be made to St. Georges Episcopal Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 264, Engelhard NC 27824 or to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

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