Carol Whittaker Clarke-Avrick

Carol lived a faith-filled and full life. She was born in New Haven CT to Gilbert and Hattie Whittaker in 1926. She went off to college, first to Pfeiffer Junior College in Misenheimer NC, then Greensboro College in Greensboro NC where she graduated in 1947.

She grew up knowing that she would marry Robert W. Clarke, Jr. Eventually, she did on July 4, 1948 after he returned from WWII. They welcomed Patricia in 1949, Philip in 1952, and Peter in 1955. They moved from Vermont to Silver Spring MD. Sadly, their marriage ended when Bob died suddenly in 1964. She worked hard supporting the kids during a time before being a single parent was common. 

In addition to working, she volunteered for many organizations. She was a Sunday School teacher at Woodside United Methodist Church for years with her best friend Margaret Madert. She was an election judge for decades along with general volunteer positions with Montgomery County MD. The American Heart Association honored her as an outstanding fundraising volunteer.

Her friend Suzanne Avrick became very ill with cancer and Carol took care of her for several years. After Suzie passed, her husband Harold (Hal) asked Carol to marry him. This came as a surprise to Carol, but she accepted. They were married on New Year's Day 1983. She moved to Waldorf MD with Hal. She continued volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Charles County Antiques Arts Society. Hal died in 2008 of Alzheimer's. 

Carol then moved to Fredericksburg VA in 2008 to be closer to Patty. She became a member of Peace UMC and helped at their food pantry for many years. She loved vacationing at Patty and her husband, David's cabin in the woods of New Brunswick Canada.

When it was time for a more controlled environment, she moved to Asbury Methodist Village Gaithersburg MD in 2019. This put her closer to Pete and his wife, Jane. She made many friends on the fifth floor of the Trott apartment building. She remained there until her death. 

She is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Carol on this dedicated webpage. Your condolences, stories, and pictures will be cherished by the family and will provide comfort during this difficult time. If you sign the guestbook, you will be kept informed of any changes.

Care entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a., 124 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009, 301-495-4950, www.InterFaithFunerals.com.