Mavis Melba Clarke

Mavis Melba Clarke was born on Monday, December 5^th, 1927 in Belize City, Belize to the union of Percival and Olive Beatrice Quallo-Clarke. Her Lord and Savior welcomed her home to an eternal and joyous life with Him on Friday, May 19^th, 2023.

Mavis accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was united with St. John’s Cathedral Church in Belize City, and later became a member of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago. She attended Wesley School in Belize City. Always a person of strong work ethic, she began working at an early age in various capacities in Belize City, most notably at the legendary Chevannes Bottling Works on Albert Street. Throughout her time in Chicago, she worked in domestic services until her retirement at age 83. She was incredibly loved and respected by her employers, and she was always proud of her quality of work.

Mavis’ life was personified by a consistent pursuit of happiness, joy, and unwavering love for others. She was an active and longstanding member of a social club consisting of loyal companions and friends with native roots in Belize who coordinated social events and traveling opportunities. Her favorite indulgences in life included cooking, dancing, embroidery, spending quality time with family and dear friends, and investing in her relationship with God and His Word.

Mavis is preceded in transition by her father Percival; her mother, Olive Beatrice, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins of the respected Quallo family and Clarke family in Belize; her brothers Alfred (“Bunny”), Berrisford, Jim, Lee, and Raymond; her loving sister Lena; and her beloved son Robert.  She leaves to cherish her spirit, memories, and legacy to daughter Yvonne Gobin-Bridges (David); son Joseph Smith II (Noelle); son Denton Smith; grandchildren Mia Gobin-Cosillo, Neru Gobin, Theresa Smith, Joseph Smith III, Candice Smith, Sesean Bridges, Michael Cox, Robert Smith, and Andrew Smith; thirteen (13) beautiful great-grandchildren; and a host of other beloved family members and dear friends.