Joellen Clarke

Joellen Wagner Clarke, 82, of New Castle passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Willows of New Castle. She was born March 30, 1944 in Indianapolis to the late Carlton and Margaret (Warner) Wagner.

Joellen’s life was marked by a profound dedication to both education and her community. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis and her master’s degree in education from Ball State University, she embarked on a remarkable 41-year teaching career at Wilbur Wright Elementary School. In her younger years, she was deeply involved with performing in numerous plays at the Guyer Opera House and remaining a long-time, active member of Tri Kappa. Whether she was tending to her garden, bird watching, baking, or enjoying a cup of coffee with a Diet Coke always nearby, she approached life with a warm spirit and a signature shade of lipstick that became a part of her gentle charm.

Known as the kindest and most caring person in the world, Joellen’s greatest joy was found in the connections she built with others. She took immense pride in her role as an educator, and she never forgot a student; she delighted in seeing them grown up around town or greeting them excitedly when they arrived at her doorstep for trick-or-treating on Halloween. Above all else, her heart belonged to her family, whom she cherished dearly. Her legacy remains one of unconditional love, nurturing guidance, and an enduring commitment to the children whose lives she touched throughout her decades of service.

Joellen is survived by her daughters, Laura (Myron) Cridge and Emily Ruth (Michael) Gibson; son-in-law, Ryan Absher; grandchildren, Evelyn (Todd) Denson, Sterling Cridge, Kaila Cridge, Ian Gibson, Margaret Absher, Ella Absher, John Craft, Brendan Cridge, Amaya Cridge and June Absher along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John Gordon Clarke; a daughter, Kathryn Absher and a sister, Patricia Truex.

Services will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), PO Box 5042 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042. You may express condolences or share a memory of Joellen at www.hinsey-brown.com.