Shirley Lee Smith Clarke

Shirley Lee Smith Clarke, 91, of Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Born in Burke County, NC on August 6, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Jim Bandy Smith and Floy Otis Shuping Smith.

Shirley had attended Salem United Methodist Church, First Advent Christian Church, and most recently, North Morganton United Methodist Church. She was an excellent baker and cake decorator, and decorated the wedding cake for her late son, Darren. Shirley also had a group of friends with which she played Bingo and did water aerobics.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Dawn Clarke Hutchins and Deanna Clarke Wise; grandchildren, Destiney Tew Benfield (Dustin), Dylan Lee Bollinger, Michael Andrew Wise (Andrea), Dustin Lee Wise, and Sierra Clarke Sprehe (Brett); great-grandchildren, Bella Wise, Noelle Conway, and Colton Benfield; brothers, Ervin Smith and Felix Smith (Debbie); sister, Catherine Smith; sister-in-law, Ann Smith and her longtime companion, Harold Whisnant.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Darren Andrew Clarke; sister, Doris Smith Roper; brothers, Robert Smith, Jimmy Ray Smith, and Bill W. Smith; and son-in-law, John Hutchins.

The cryptside service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the columbarium at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Taber officiating.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.