First Lady Dr. Clytemnestra L Clarke is well-known for her gentle spirit and her love for people. She is a leader who has discovered that the true meaning of living a righteous life is to seek God through prayer, praise, and worship.
She is a native of Teaneck, New Jersey, born to Robert L. Lawson and the late Betty G. Lawson. Her parents exposed her and her older brother, Vincente, to invaluable knowledge and wisdom, raising them with an emphasis on serving God and His people.
She confidently stands cooperatively working with her husband, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke. After 47 years of marriage, her affection for the love of her life is difficult to overlook, and she yet proclaims her devotion as his helpmeet. She is the mother of two adult daughters, Dionesha Clarke (deceased) and Joscelyn Renee Clarke, and two grandchildren, Ryan Joseph and London Yvonne.
Dr. Clarke is the Director of the Women’s Ministry and H.O.P.E. Counseling Ministry at First Church. She is a strong example of a virtuous woman with power who challenges, inspires, motivates, and provokes to action the women of First Church. This ministry has been successful in helping to encourage women in their journey of growth through various outlets, which include classes, seminars, retreats, conferences, and many other social and spiritual events. As the Director of H.O.P.E. Counseling, Dr. Clarke provides emotional and spiritual guidance to the congregation and community through individual, marital, pre-marital, and family counseling. Prior to accepting the call to ministry in a full-time position, she was employed by the State of Ohio Department of Health for 15 years and held various positions.
Dr. Clarke holds a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) in Formational Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, a Master’s Degree in Social Agency Counseling and is licensed by the State of Ohio as a Professional Clinical Counselor. Dr. Clarke is the founder/owner of Inner Image Counseling Services, L.L.C. A gifted writer, Dr. Clarke released Welcomed Wisdom, which is book one of the Wisdom for Living in Faith and Empowerment (L.I.F.E.) Series. The second book, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Courageous, will be released soon.
Bishop Clarke often shares that when he first saw First Lady, her arm was in a cast from an injury she incurred while playing football. Despite her injuries early on in life, she has remained an avid sports fan. Dr. Clarke is a music lover and can be found listening to music or playing the piano when time permits. In addition, she enjoys traveling and shopping.
Overall, be it Dr. Clarke, Lady “C,” or Sister “C,” she is a loving and caring First Lady. She is easy to talk with, kind, and fun-loving. She frequently quotes Psalm 139, which is one of her favorite Scriptures. She is a woman of God who truly flows in the anointing upon her life.