Verna Caroline Clark

Verna C. Clark, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. Born on November 4, 1946, in Madisonville, Kentucky, Verna spent her early years growing up in Jewell City, Kentucky, where she developed the strong values of family, faith, and compassion that would guide her throughout her life. In the summer of 1961, she moved to Lakeland, Florida, where she built a life centered on family, friendship, creativity, and service to others. She attended Saint Sebastian School in Calhoun, Kentucky, and later attended Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland, Florida. 

Throughout her life, Verna was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. During the 1970s, she worked as an assembly line supervisor at Stromberg-Carlson, contributing to avionics support for the F-111 jet fighter program. In the 1980s, she served as a customer service manager at Polly Primm's Cleaners in Lakeland. Beginning in 1990, Verna dedicated more than two decades to customer service with the City of Lakeland, where she faithfully served the community until her retirement in 2013. 

Verna was also an avid seamstress and talented quilter whose creativity and generosity touched countless lives. She found great joy in sewing and quilting, not only creating beautiful works by hand but also teaching others quilting and sewing techniques with patience and encouragement. Her willingness to share her knowledge inspired many who were fortunate enough to learn from her. 

A woman with a giving heart, Verna devoted much of her time and talent to helping others through charitable work. She lovingly contributed handmade items and support to organizations and causes, including Senior Orphans, veterans' projects, sheriff’s department children’s support programs, nursing homes, Talbot House, and St. Jude. Through these acts of kindness, she brought warmth, comfort, and hope to many people in need. 

Following her retirement, Verna greatly enjoyed traveling across the country with her family, creating treasured memories along the way. She also loved spending time in her community at Silver Lakes, where she enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and participating in bingo with friends and neighbors. 

Verna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Clark (Grove); and her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Jay English. 

She is survived by her daughters, Tracy James (Dell) and Paula Starace (Adam); her son, Robert McQuown (Nancy); her sisters, Frances Clark-Fiorentino (Bob), Roberta Johnston (Dave Brimm), and Margaret Salyers (Doug); her brother, Chris Clark; her grandson, Jordan McQuown (Jordan Renee); and her granddaughter, Adara Richter (Josh). Verna also leaves behind two cherished great-grandchildren. 

Verna will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, generous heart, steady faith, and deep love for family and friends. She leaves behind cherished loved ones and dear friends who will deeply miss her wisdom, humor, kindness, and caring presence. 

A celebration of Verna’s life will be held on July 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Silver Lakes Clubhouse, located at 2155 Silver Lakes Drive North, Lakeland, Florida 33810. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Verna’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Verna will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.