Obituary of Marie Clark

Marie Clark Barfield

August 1, 1935 – February 28, 2026

A Life of Faith, Love, and Service

Marie Clark Barfield was born in Louisville, Mississippi, on August 1, 1935, to Ira and Scottie Barfield. She peacefully transitioned to be home with the Lord on February 28, 2026.

In the early 1950s, she and her family moved to Georgia. During her time there, she welcomed her firstborn son, Charles Barfield, before later meeting and marrying her husband, Daniel Clark, who preceded her in death. Together they later made their home in Rochester, New York, where they welcomed three more children—Tony, Carmella, and Vincent. Marie devoted herself to serving her family and others.

Above all else, Marie loved the Lord and loved people. She accepted Christ in 1948 and was raised in the faith by her mother, a devoted Christian who faithfully served the Lord. Marie faithfully attended First Bible Baptist Church for many years after joining in 1984. Throughout her time there, she was actively involved in a variety of ministries. She served as a greeter, warmly welcoming others each week, participated in the quilting ministry, and made costumes for a variety of church plays, using her gifts to bless the church community. As her personal ministry, she generously made and shared quilts, even giving them to strangers she met.

She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Ann’s Nursing Home, where her compassion touched countless residents and families.

She also served as treasurer of the Earl Street Neighborhood Association and helped plan and host neighborhood block parties that brought the community together.

For many years, Marie hosted large New Year’s Day dinners where everyone was welcomed. As the years passed, the children multiplied, the tables grew longer, and her home remained open—filled with laughter, food, and fellowship. People still talk about the overnight salad, multiple dishes, pies, and huge cakes to this day.

Marie enjoyed bowling, gardening, and “fixing” things around the house. Her husband would often ask her, “What are you doing now, Mrs. Fix-It?”

Marie was loving, kind, and generous, with a deeply caring heart. She considered all of her children’s and grandchildren’s friends as her own children and grandchildren. Some of her favorite titles were “Mom,” “Aunt,” and “Gramma”—not only to her blood relatives, but to all who embraced and adopted her as such, including many of you celebrating her life today.

She was wonderfully feisty—strong-willed and spirited in the best way.

Though she endured many health challenges throughout her life, she faced them with courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Clark; her parents, Ira and Scottie Barfield; her sisters, Essie Hickman and Hilda Guyton; her brother, James Barfield; and her daughter-in-law, Rosemary Barfield.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Charles Barfield, Tony Clark, Carmella Clark, and Vincent Clark; her grandchildren: Janelle Austin (Rickie Austin) and their daughter, Junia Renée Austin; LaVonne Barfield-Wilson (Damond Wilson) and their son, Darian Wilson; and Calvin Barfield (Emma Barfield); along with extended family, church family, dear friends, and neighbors whose lives were forever blessed by her love.

Marie will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, boundless love, and remarkable strength. Her open heart, generous spirit, and devotion to her Savior, Jesus Christ, will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

May those who knew and loved Marie carry her memory as a quiet strength in their hearts. May her love continue to speak through the generations she leaves behind, and may we find comfort in knowing she now rests in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, where there is no more pain—only peace and everlasting joy.

Family and friends may call Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Rochester Bible Baptist Church, 274 Merchants Road, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow. Interment Grove Place Cemetery, Chili, NY.