Eleanor Sherman Clarke

Eleanor Sherman Clarke, 90, a lifelong resident of Petersburg, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2015. She was one of the first women to earn a pilot’s license in the state of Virginia, and at 17, was the first woman to fly solo in Petersburg. Shortly after earning her license she joined the Civil Air Patrol and was an active member. She then went on to work for the Clerk’s Office in Petersburg for 23 years where she served as Deputy Clerk of Court. In her youth, Mrs. Clarke was also an avid shooter and was a member of a local rifle club. She was also a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years Walter D. Clarke. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy C. Roe, and Carole C. Hart and husband, Kirby; grandchildren, Melissa Roe-Jones and husband, Eugene, Brian Roe and wife, Melissa, Daniel Hart and Jason Hart; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Taylor Jones; Madison, Mackenzie, Bailey, Griffin and Colbie Roe, as well as special friends, Charles and Regina Tyler. In keeping with her wishes there will be no formal service. Please honor her memory with your own thoughts and remembrances. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .