Marian Elizabeth Clarke Ware

November 13, 1934 – September 22, 2025

Marian Elizabeth Clarke Ware was born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Jason James Clarke and Edith Pouder Clarke. She married her most beloved Rev. Brister Hagaman Ware of Jackson, Mississippi on July 8th, 1960. They have two children, a son Clark Brister Ware of Jackson, Mississippi and a daughter, Elizabeth Ware Jacobs (Kevin), of Marietta, Georgia. She had one brother, Dr. Hugh Clarke of Memphis, Tennessee.

She graduated from East Tennessee State University and received her bachelor's degree in Education and also received an additional bachelor's degree in Christian education from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. She taught for 35 years, ending her career at First Presbyterian Christian Day School for 29 years as the Bible teacher. She was blessed with a very beautiful voice and was extremely gifted on the piano. She enjoyed accompanying the church services and enjoyed singing with the church choir for the majority of her adult life. She and her husband Brister, a gifted harmonica player, enjoyed playing together and brought joy to so many.

Marian's greatest love was with her heavenly Father, and we take great peace in knowing that she is completely healed and praising her Lord in Heaven.

She leaves behind her very beloved granddaughters in Marietta, Georgia—Elizabeth Grace Jacobs and Sara Katherine Jacobs.

Visitation will be at 10 am Friday, September 26, 2025, in the Greeting Courtyard at First Presbyterian Church with the funeral following in the sanctuary at 11:30.

The family requests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church or First Presbyterian Day School.