OBITUARY: Barbara Jane Clarke, 64, of Marble Falls had long career in health care

Barbara Jane Clarke, 64, of Marble Falls died March 14, 2013, after a hard struggle with cancer and other health issues. She was born the second daughter of the Rev. Billy and Mary Clarke on Feb. 27, 1949, in Cleburne, Texas.

She graduated from Travis High School in Austin and attended the University of Texas, receiving a Bachelor of Science in nursing with high honors in 1971.

After a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, she began her career in health-care education in Texas in 1972, working as a nurse epidemiologist at St. David’s Hospital in Austin. Her 36-year career included working at Medical Plaza Hospital in Fort Worth, Montgomery County Medical Center in Conroe, Methodist Hospital in Houston, South Austin Medical Center and Pharmaco in Austin, and she finished her career with the Seton Healthcare System. She pursued graduate education in public health and human resources management and briefly taught at the UT School of Nursing in San Antonio.

She was ordained a deacon at First Baptist Church of Austin, where she sang in the choir and Cantamos Women’s Chorale before moving on to other volunteer activity. Her family wishes to thank the church for their concern and care as well as all her care providers and the kind staff of Senior Care at Onion Creek.

Ms. Clarke is survived by a sister, the Rev. Carol Clarke of San Marcos; brother, Jim Clarke and wife Lynn; nephews, Justin Clarke of Austin and Tanner Clarke of Belton; and an aunt, Olene Tyler of Belton.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Austin or the charity of your choice in her memory.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m. March 18 at Edgar Funeral Home, 109 N. Main St. in Burnet, (512) 756-4444. A graveside service for family is 10:30 a.m. March 19. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Austin at a later date.