Carol Miley Clarke

Carol Paxton Miley Clarke, daughter of G. Errett Miley and Elizabeth Britton Miley, both deceased, went to be with her Savior on December 24, 2024. She leaves behind her husband, Lawrence (Larry) Clarke of Pensacola, FL; a son, Mason Clarke, his wife Courtney Dobson Clarke, four grandchildren— Seth, Madison, Jackson and Tyler Clarke, all of Pensacola, FL; a brother, George Miley and his wife Hanna of Phoenix, AZ; a sister, Virginia Miley of Peachtree City, GA: a son-in-law Brian Hammett. Carol was preceded in death by a daughter Elizabeth Paxton Clarke Hammett. Carol grew up in Richmond, VA. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1961 and Longwood College, in Farmville, VA, in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education. Upon her graduation, she began her teaching career in Henrico County, Virginia. She and Larry married in 1967, and she became a Navy wife following her husband around the world. Carol taught in the Norfolk Public School system immediately after marriage in Sewell’s Point Elementary School, a Federal Impact School. While her husband was at sea in Vietnam, Carol spent part of the time with her family in Richmond, VA and the other time with her husband in San Diego while in home port. Carol was a most gracious lady who was kind, gentle, and always saw the very best in people. She made an excellent mother, Navy wife, and hostess on U.S. and foreign soil. After Vietnam, Washington DC was next for her husband, and it was there that the Clarke Clan doubled in size with the addition of Mason and Paxton. It was a difficult time for Larry going from Carol’s #1 priority to #3 in 2 ½ short years!!! She and her husband came to know the Lord beginning in Rota, Spain where they attended Bethel Baptist Church, a Missions to Military ministry of Baptist International Missions Inc (BIMI). Carol supported her husband, who was the adult Sunday School teacher. While living in Spain, she was a schoolteacher in the Church Christian School. Carol and her husband were the oldest members in the church, which offered Carol numerous opportunities to work with the newly married and recently saved ladies on the scriptural aspects of a Christian marriage and home. After Rota, Spain her husband was destined for sea duty. The family joined Providence Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA where Carol taught at their Christian School. Next, Carol followed her husband to Washington DC where he served three consecutive tours. They joined Fairfax Baptist Temple where Carol found herself in the 2nd grade classroom. Working at Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy worked conveniently for the family because Mason and Paxton could ride to and from school with Carol. Next up for the family, it was back to Spain for her husband’s Commanding Officer tour. Being a Commanding Officer’s wife overseas had too many obligations to allow Carol to teach. She was active in Navy Relief as a volunteer, in addition to being involved in the very active life of a church. The next chapter looked like moving back to Washington DC to watch the two children grow up and Mason marry. The Clarkes semi-retired to Pensacola in 2006, the year Paxton married. Carol was involved in countless community and church related endeavors, specifically being a case volunteer with Guardian ad Litem and a boutique volunteer at Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center. Carol never liked public speaking, sitting at the head tables, or receiving all the attention. In fact, she was the best version of herself when she had the opportunity to serve others, often behind the scenes. The multiple maladies that wore her poor body out left her very ill for the past three years. As a member of Faith Baptist Church Carol was active in nursery and young children ministries until she developed back problems. Her most enjoyable project was the Church Mission’s Closet where visiting missionaries could shop for free for many items needed on the mission field. She also supported Larry who taught the mixed age class (families where children stayed together with parents) and started the singles ministry at the church where he taught. In 2024 our family was immensely blessed as we watched numerous families come by to see Carol. Some of the families that came to visit were kids she taught in elementary school ~40 years ago, who now brought their college-aged kids to visit with Carol. As the family has watched her fight so diligently over the past three years, we are reminded of her surviving legacy that touches young hearts. Her relationship with individuals often left people feeling well-loved and well-supported. If you listen carefully, you can almost hear the Lord say: “Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21. Carol Paxton Miley Clarke transitioned to eternal life in heaven with our Lord December 24, 2024. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in Barrancas National Cemetery on December 31, 2024, in a family only service. A Homegoing Celebration will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 3600 Creighton Ave, Pensacola FL on Saturday February 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM with reception to follow in the church’s social hall. The family requests RSVP for the reception. Use this link. https://fbcpensacola.breezechms.com/form/b3560d The service will be live steamed. Use this link. https://www.facebook.com/pensacolafaith OR www.youtube.com/@faithbaptistchurchofpensac9864 As always, the family requests in lieu of flowers, generous contributions be made to the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Foundation in Carol’s memory (Carol was a volunteer for over 12 years). This charity dispenses over 98% of all contributed funds directly to support the children’s needs to give them a normal childhood. GAL is the organization of State employees and a significant cadre of volunteers that attend to the full range of needs of children (court appearances, medical, academic and social) removed from their families for neglect or abuse. Your contributions directed to Carol will go to sending children to camp in the 1st Judicial District of Florida (basically the Panhandle) this summer. For the record that is potentially over 1200 children. Go to https://www.nwfgal.org, Hit any “Donate” button in any section of the website, enter the amount of your donation, scroll to “additional Comments” and add “Carol’”. Easy and greatly appreciated. You can also mail a check to Larry @ 3025 Marquette Ave, Pensacola, FL 32505. Make check payable to “Guardian ad Litem Foundation”. Nothing would make Carol happier than seeing 100+ kids get to go to camp as part of her going home celebration.

Tributes

Carol Miley Clarke

November 5, 1943 - December 24, 2024