Rita George Clarke, 72, of Hillsborough, NC joined the church triumphant on January 22, 2026, at her home with her husband of 40 years, Jeff, by her side. Rita was born October 31, 1953 to the late John Samuel George and Evelyn Mae Collins George at Francisco in rural Stokes County, NC . She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Erlene George Wood and husband Delbert; and by her brothers, Samuel Thomas “Tommy” George and John Melvin George.

In addition to her husband, Jeff Clarke, Rita is survived by her children: Jeffry Cameron Clarke II and partner Caroline Cress and George Zachary Clarke and husband Young Yun. She is also survived by sisters and brothers-in-law: Nellie (Lester) Overby and Glenda (Delana) Biggs. She is survived by three brothers and four sisters-in-law: Jerry (Wanda) George, Ira (Georgie) George, Robert (Shirley) George, and Mavis George. In addition, Jeff’s brothers: Michael and Donald (Sara) Clarke and sisters: Annabelle (Rupert) Gregory and Carolyn Clarke. Rita is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Rita was a graduate of Watts School of Nursing and served as registered nurse for 38 years at Duke Regional hospital, caring for many people over the course of her career. She loved to travel: visiting the national parks and spending time in Little River, SC. She and Jeff were snow birds in retirement, who belonged to a special community in Bonita Springs, FL. Rita was a beloved member of Union Grove United Methodist Church in Hillsborough for 35 years.

A funeral service will be held at Union Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Union Grove Church Rd. Hillsborough, NC 27278 on February 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM. A covered dish will be served following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford: P.O. Box 820, Oxford, NC 27565.