Gracie B Clarke-Butler

September 9, 1949 - January 29, 2019

Gracie B. Clarke-Butler, 69, of Burlington, NJ departed this life on January 29, 2019. She was the second of nine children born to Clinton Henton Clarke, Sr. and Asrine (Baker) Clarke on September 9, 1949 in Isle of Wight, Virginia. Gracie was educated in the public schools of East Orange and Newark, NJ. She received a bachelor’s degree in Music from Rutgers University, and spent her early years teaching music in the Newark, NJ public schools. Gracie returned to Rutgers University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Gracie was married to the late Neil A. Butler, and her love for him was only rivaled by her love of music. An Alto Soprano, Gracie performed in a range of settings, including with the NJ State Opera. Gracie’s most enduring church membership and affiliation was with Grace Presbyterian Church in Montclair, NJ, where she and Neil were joined in marriage. Gracie was predeceased by her parents, Clinton Henton Clarke, Sr. and Asrine (Baker) Clarke, and three brothers, Clinton Henton Clarke, Jr., Cannie Clifford Clarke, and Derek Martin Clarke. She is survived by siblings Maggie Asrine Zito (Philip), Judy Pearle Pelham (Lawrence), Willie Clarke (Dominique), Spencer Wayne Clarke, and Eric Ezra Clarke, and a host of nieces, nephews, and family friends. The family expresses gratitude to the Van Tassel Funeral Home and Rev. Dr. Leggett, Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Lawrence Pelham for their service and comfort to the family.