FORMER REGISTRAR of the Supreme Court, Marva Clarke, had her final hearing yesterday afternoon.
A virtual who’s who in the legal fraternity came out to celebrate Clarke’s life and work during a funeral service at the People’s Cathedral yesterday afternoon. Heading the list were Acting Governor General Sir Philip Greaves, his predecessor Sir Elliott Belgrave, Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite, former chief justice and attorney general Sir David Simmons, as well as members of Government and the Opposition Barbados Labour Party.
Cricketing icons Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Wes Hall, as well as retired and practising judicial officers, and staff of the foreign service, where she worked before entering the legal fraternity, also attended the final farewell.
Retired High Court judge Leroy Inniss, who was Clarke’s friend and former law teacher at the Barbados Community College, said she was one who brought an unmatched zeal and dedication to her studies, life and work.
He said Clarke served like a “beacon” in the Civil Court, and insisted on a strict dress code and tight security.
Tributes were paid by the Lions Club of Bridgetown, for which she was a past president; Cancer Support Services and Walkers’ Walkers. President of the walking group, Michael Browne, gave several anecdotes about Clarke and spoke of the famous mauby she was responsible for providing.
Her older son, Ian gave some humorous stories of the loving mother he and brother Brain shared, as well as the strict disciplinarian she was. He said she was also known for extending a helping hand to others.
Clarke was laid to rest at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens, The Ridge, Christ Church. (YB)
