Obituary of Birdia "Birdie" S. Clarke-Edwards

Birdia “Birdie” Clarke-Edwards, 93, of Elmer passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 at Brightview Senior Living at Woodbury Lake where she resided for the past 4 ½ years. She was preceded in death by; her parents, James and Florence Ford Shelton; her first husband, Earl Clarke; her second husband, Joe Edwards; her sisters, Ruby Raines, and Dot Dawson and her brothers, Walter, Doyle and Cliff Shelton. She is survived by; her children, Ed Clarke (Sue), James Clarke (Phyllis), Donna Chiarello (Joe) and Ron Clarke; her grandchildren, Edmond Clarke, Debra Wojculeski, James Clake, Jr. and Lori Steiner; her brothers, Vaughn and Herman Shelton; nine great-grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews. Birdie was born in Newport, TN where she and her siblings grew up on the family farm. She moved to NJ in her late teens but returned to TN to visit her family every summer until she was in her 80's and travel became difficult. She was a home health aide for many years. Birdie loved her home and yard where she spent countless hours planting and growing flowers. Birdie was a member of Christ Commitity Tabernacle for many years where she was a member of the choir. She was the oldest living, founding member of the church. She always had a smile on her face and was a wonderful Mom and Mom-Mom. A memorial services will be held at a later date due to the Coviid-19 pandemic. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Community Tabernacle 188 US-40, Newfield, NJ 08344 or Bayada Hospice Care, N. Broad Street., Woodbury, NJ 08096. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.