Muriel Elizabeth Clarke

The world became sweeter when Muriel Elizabeth Clarke was born in Yonkers, New York, to Lillie Beth Belcher and Laverne “Handy” Williams on September 25, 1939. She departed this life on July 7, 2017. Muriel was the middle child. She had an older sister, Gwendolyn and younger brother, LaVerne, Jr.

When Muriel was three years old, her mother, Lillie Beth, passed away and Muriel and her siblings spent their childhood in Plymouth, North Carolina, where they were raised by their great aunt Mamie. Muriel attended Plymouth elementary and high schools. As a young adult, Muriel returned to New York and always strived to improve her skills through community college and continuing education classes. Over many years, she worked as an Executive Assistant at Westchester Co-Op, as well as Woodland Nursing Home.

Yet, the sun rose and set with the two loves of her life: her husband Roy and daughter Pam.

When she retired, Muriel enjoyed travelling with Roy. When they weren’t travelling out of the country, you could find Muriel and Roy nestled in South Jersey with their children and grandchildren: Pam, Howard, Holley and Noelle. She also enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-in to bring some joy into their lives. And let’s not forget cooking….she was a great cook and could whip up a batch of fried chicken when the chicken was frozen in no time flat...along with potato salad! And she did it effortlessly.

Muriel had a real zest for life, a strong and caring character, was very giving, and extremely well loved. She had friends everywhere and knew everyone. She made people feel like they were her best friend. She always told Pam “make sure you know your banker, butcher, and grocery store manager”. Many who knew her often looked to her for encouragement, guidance, and a good time… which she lovingly gave. Once when her daughter Pam was returning back to school from Spring break, Muriel cooked up a great meal for Pam to share with her college friends. But, in hurrying to catch a flight back to school, Pam forgot the food. No problem…..Mommy Muriel went to the airport and had the food flown to Syracuse so that Pam could pick it up. That’s a caring mom.

Many would remember her as the social butterfly. When she turned 50, Muriel gave herself a 3-day birthday party. She rented Father Divine’s mansion in Yonkers, turned it into a hotel, hired caterers, staff, and invited over 100 of her closest family members and friends, and celebrated her 50 years on earth. Her friends came from as far as Bermuda and the Bahamas to celebrate with her. Also, when her first granddaughter turned one year old, Muriel rented out the Penthouse at the NY Hilton Hotel and gave her granddaughter a birthday party! Muriel also hosted an annual BBQ at her home, and continued to do so, even after she became ill. She never wanted the party to end. But when it did, she’d be the first to tell you “go home”. She also opened up an accessories shop called “Finishing Touch by Muriel”, which was a gathering place for her friends on the weekends to buy hats, scarves, jewelry, have a manicure or pedicure, and eat good food. She just loved people and they loved her!

In her passing, Muriel leaves to mourn and cherish many precious memories: she was the loving wife to her husband, Roy, who fought every step of the way with her during 11 years of illness; she was the loving and devoted mother to her only child, Pam, who she cherished so dearly; grandmother to Holley and Noelle; and mother-in-law to Howard, who she adored and considered her son; sibling LaVerne Jr.; sister-in-law Geneva; step-daughter Toni; stepson-in-law Derrick; nieces Thurna, Fontella and Tina; nephews Stanley, Donald, Ronnie; best friends from kindergarten Joyce and Dolores, and a host of other relatives and many,many,many friends! She will deeply be missed.

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