Rose Edna Clarke French, 93, of Mammoth Spring, passed away Monday, November 2, at her home. She was born June 3, 1927 to Edmund Weaver and Mary Rosella Rudisaille Clarke in Hardy, Arkansas.
She married Noel French, the love of her life, on October 15, 1944, and they shared 38 years together before he passed on November 24, 1982. Four children were born to this union.
Edna was a homemaker, well known as an excellent cook and a prize-winning seamstress. She made numerous prize-winning crocheted pieces including lace tablecloths, a lace bedspread, doilies, and afghans. She was an active member of Fulton County Extension Homemakers for many years. She also was known for her nurturing spirit, having served as a caregiver for several of her siblings and even one sister-in-law. She delighted in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She took special pleasure in being able to have 5-generation pictures with her 2x great grandchildren. A Christian for most of her adult life, she was a member of Mammoth Spring church of Christ.
Edna was predeceased by her husband, her parents, seven brothers, and two sisters. Brothers included Byron, Charles, Ervin, Joe, Paul, Bill, and Ronnie Clarke. Sisters were Rachel Clarke Johnson and Catherine Clarke Russell. She also is predeceased by one daughter-in-law Jewell Faye Wright French.
Survivors include one daughter Nola French (Leon) Christenberry of Jonesboro and three sons Charles Wayne French of Mammoth Spring, James Harris (Nancy) French of Evening Shade, and Lowell Dean (Susan) French of Paragould. Other survivors are grandchildren Carmen Christenberry (Tim) Ritter, Candis Christenberry (Jeff) Middlebrook, Curtis (Jodi) Christenberry, Donna French, Evan (Dianna) French, Andy (Laura) French, Chris (Tiffany) French, and Colton French and grandson-in-love Jerry Wayne French; great grandchildren Kent (Ashley) Chamberlain, Beth Chamberlain (Daryl Thomas), Jacob Ritter, Nathan Middlebrook, Nicholas Middlebrook, Riley Christenberry, Miley Christenberry, Cody Brindley, Hannah Brindley, Abby (Cody) Green, Melissa French, Makayla French, Brittany French, Kinlei French, Sawyer French and 2x great grandchildren Rachel Chamberlain, Elijah Chamberlain, Liam Chamberlain, Ross Green, and Remington Green. She will be missed by a host of other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are under direction of Carter Funeral Home of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at Saddle Cemetery on Saturday, November 7th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with Barry Odell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legacy Hospice, 314 Highway 62W, Salem, AR 72576; Children’s Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450; or Saddle Cemetery, 5203 Frenchtown Road, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554.
November 4, 2020 @ 2:20 pm
So sad to learn of her passing. I loved this wonderful lady very much.
November 4, 2020 @ 3:43 pm
Mr. French and Donna
I’m am so sorry for the loss of you mother and grandmother. I am praying for you and your family!!!
November 6, 2020 @ 7:22 am
I have known Edna all my life and she was a Wonderful Christian Lady. She always had a smile and hug for me. I will certainly miss those. Love and Prayers to the Family now and in the days ahead.
November 4, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
Family: sorry for your loss, nice lady.
November 5, 2020 @ 2:40 pm
Loved this good christian lady. You were blessed with a wonderful Mother and Grandmother. Treasure all your wonderful memories. Praying for your family.
November 6, 2020 @ 6:16 am
She sounded like an incredible lady. I would love to have known her. Prayers for the family❤️
November 6, 2020 @ 11:40 am
James, Nancy, Andy and Laura I am very sorry for the loss. Prayers for comfort at this time of grief .
November 6, 2020 @ 5:19 pm
Nola: I struggle to find words to express my feelings and love for your Mom. Words seem so inadequate. We mostly lived miles apart and seldom got to see each other. Our love and affection though transcends the miles and lapses of time. Our early in life experiences formed our bond as soul mates. Years often came and passed but the bond stays eternal. Pat and I often made sure to attend the reunions. It was always great to see and visit with all our Clarke cousins, but most especially to see and visit with Rosie. I was elated when you, Wayne, and Rosie can to visit. I so wanted everything to be perfect so we could stroll around looking at my flowers and plants while we reminisced about days long gone by. That severe hail storm the evening before took care of that. I say to you, Wayne, Harris and Lowell with heartfelt sadness, stay strong with the knowledge your Mom was deeply loved by many others. She is sorely missed . Keep the Faith. Keep the memories that can never vanish . Cherish the time you had together. May God bless and keep you. Know that I love you. I pray for Rosie and all her family every night. I wish well for all of you. Affectionately with love. -Don
November 6, 2020 @ 8:43 pm
Saddened to hear of her passing. So many memories flood my mind of her life. I know that so many things she said and did will flood your mind in the days to come. She would want them to be happy and remember the Love that she had for all of you. May all of you be blessed in this time.
November 6, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
Saddened to hear of her passing. My mind is filled with memories of her having good times. I know that as the days for by, that all of you will have some wonderful memories of things said and done in her life. She would want you to remember the Love and good things she had for you. May you be blessed and comforted in this time of loss.
November 7, 2020 @ 10:00 am
James, Charles, Lowell and Nola, so sorry to hear about your mother – she was a wonderful person who brightened all our lives. May God comfort you all during this time.
November 13, 2020 @ 11:31 am
Nola & Family,
We just heard of your Mom’s passing yesterday.
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
I know you are pleased also to have the 5-generation picture with your family.
Roberta Hutchison & Linda Ring