Donna Jean (Prater) Clarke

Donna Jean Clarke, 72, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at The Ohio State University Medical Center. She was surrounded by family in the moments before going home with the Lord. A lifelong member of Trinity Baptist Church, Donna, more commonly known as “Jeanie,” graduated from Linden McKinley High School at the age of 16. She was a gifted student and singer known for her truly beautiful voice. Professionally, she was best known for the many years she spent working for Otto Beatty, Jr., particularly during her time as his Executive Secretary at the Statehouse and Vern Riffe Tower during Beatty’s many years as a State Representative. Upon her retirement, Jeanie founded the Milo-Grogan Resource Center and was elected Chair of the East Fifth Avenue Area Commission - positions she held for several years until serious illness forced her retirement. Jeanie was not only a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, but a respected leader in her community. Jeanie was preceded in death by her husband Tibbett W. Clarke, parents John and Donna Prater, son Ronald Eric Gibson, sisters, Lois Elaine Berry, Beverly Prater and Phyllis Vance, niece Nina Cooper-Kent and nephew Mark Marbrey. She is survived by her daughter Dawn E. (Ronald) Jefferies; sons, Bret A. (Crystal) Gibson, Jon C. (Cindy) Gibson, and David J. (Terreece) Clarke; sisters Rose Merry Prater and Jessica Marbrey; brother John Prater; 7 grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends throughout the community. Homegoing Celebration, 1 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2011 at Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Ave., where the family will receive friends from 12 noon until the start of service. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation.