Patricia Sommers Clarke

Patricia “Pat” Sommers Clarke, 93, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Born on April 12, 1933, in Saltville, Virginia, Pat graduated from the Drexel Institute of Technology in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. While at Drexel, she met the love of her life, Edward “Fred” Clarke, a future commissioned officer in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They married on March 23, 1957, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007 with a joyful family trip to Puerto Vallarta.

As a military spouse, Pat embraced a life of adventure, living around the world in Germany and Korea, and across the United States in Iowa, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Virginia, and Rhode Island. After Fred’s military retirement in 1982, the couple spent several years in Jakarta, Indonesia before returning to Virginia. In 1998, they built their dream home on Hilton Head Island—a welcoming gathering place designed with enough room for family to visit and make memories. Family visits often included pontoon boat rides around the lagoons enjoying lively discussions during happy hour as the scenery passed by.

Never one for idle hands, Pat built a home decoration and upholstery business that traveled with her through multiple stateside moves. After returning to the States from Jakarta, she rekindled her business and continued her creative work, blending artistry with precision through custom upholstery and drapery.

Pat enjoyed a rich social life and a wide circle of friends. She loved playing Bridge, bowling, and remained a formidable presence on the tennis court, known for her fierce forehand. She was an avid walker, circling the neighborhood most days and collecting the occasional errant golf ball along the way. Pat also delighted in outings to the local theater, lively book club discussions, and lunches with friends—moments that brought her joy, connection, and community.

Pat is survived by her four children: Michael Clarke and wife Kim of St. Pete Beach, Florida; Larry Clarke and wife Karen of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Lisa Copeland and husband Jeff of Fairfax, Virginia; and Diane Padiak and husband Andy of Cary, North Carolina. She is also survived by her grandchildren Brian Clarke, Jack Clarke, Jennifer Copeland, Allison Copeland, Anna Padiak, and Evan Padiak; and her great-grandson Braxton Clarke.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward “Fred” Clarke; her parents, Howard and Lucille Sommers; her sisters, Frances Dougherty and Alice Jetter; and her grandson, Steven Clarke, who passed away on September 15, 2021.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 15, 2026, at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC. She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association in honor of Pat’s life and legacy.