Elaine Burleson Clarke

ELAINE BURLESON CLARKE born February 25, 1937 in Morganton, North Carolina, the youngest of seven children born to Commodore V. Burleson and Mary Gillam Burleson, died suddenly July 23, 2026. Christened Dorothy Elaine, she was always called Elaine. Her brother Gillam called her “bright light” because her name means bright is the light of dawn. She lived into her name, bringing light to those who loved and knew her.

In 1957, Elaine married her high school sweetheart, Bob Clarke. She attended Meredith College while he was at N.C. State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 3 ½ years, graduating cum laude. Then she went to work as an actuary for an insurance company in Raleigh while Bob finished his degree. Bob and Elaine moved to Lynchburg, Virginia in 1961 so that Bob could begin his career at Southern Air. Elaine stayed home and supported Bob as his wife, advisor, confidant, and best friend. Their first child arrived shortly after they moved to Lynchburg. Nineteen months later, Elaine gave birth to twins. Elaine’s most cherished job in life was raising her children. Elaine wanted to remain an active part of the community, joining the Junior League and the League of Women Voters, where she served as treasurer and president. Elaine was a very active member of Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church from the time she moved to Lynchburg and remained an active member for the rest of her life. Elaine played in the handbell choir, served on Pastor Parish Relations, Council on Ministries, and enjoyed the Merry Marthas, a group of lively, lovely women. She was with the Merry Marthas on July 16th, accompanied by her loving caregiver, Marjorie Evans.

Elaine surprised her family one day by announcing she had been hired for a job as an administrative assistant at Crossroads House. She made many friends there including her supervisor, Pat Haley. Elaine enjoyed playing bridge and Mahjong, taking walks with her dog JJ, spending weekends at Carolina Beach, and spending time with her family. Elaine was most proud of her work raising her children. She never tired of telling anyone who stood still long enough to listen that her children were her greatest accomplishment.

Preceding her in death were her husband Bob; her sisters Mary Louise Burleson, Georgia Bailey, and Margaret Crumley; and her brothers Gillam and Charlie Burleson. She is survived by one sister, Patricia (“Pat”) Howell; her four daughters Clarissa Frayser (Jay), Adair Faulkner (Harry), Elise Jones (Ken), and Kirsten Tiller (Bryan), and her six grandchildren Erica Alverenga (Alex), Forest Feldenzer, Sara Jones, Anne-Elaine Tiller, Maris Tiller, and Finn Tiller; and her sister-in-law Philecta Staton with whom she spoke every week.

The family wishes to thank Marjorie Evans and Elizabeth “Liz” Deal for their dedication and loving care provided to our mother in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's Association . Visitation will be at Tharp Funeral Home on Saturday August 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A memorial celebration of life will take place at Chestnut Hill United Methodist on Sunday August 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm.