Catherine R. Clarkson

Catherine R. Clarkson, 89, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Sunday, June 26, 2016, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island.

Services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church, Rock Island, with The Reverend Carmen Ausborn officiating. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to services. Trimble Funeral Home, Moline, is assisting the family.

The former Catherine Roberta Mitchell was born April 7, 1927, in Ottawa, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Mable (Wells) Mitchell. She married James T. Clarkson on June 28, 1975, in Rock Island. He died March 27, 2015.

She worked in the procurement department at the Rock Island Arsenal for 30 years, retiring in 1986. She was a Mother for the church, had been a toastmistress, and enjoyed singing, bowling, parades, and butterflies.

She is survived by two children, Marianne Lyda and Barry Buchanan, both of Rock Island; two step-children, Charles Clarkson of Columbia, South Carolina, and Bridgette Grimball of Suitland, Maryland; eight grandchildren, including Harold "Tommy" Willis, Jr. and James A. Hughes; and several great-grandchildren, including Aaron, Daisha and Tanayea Willis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Minister James T. Clarkson, a daughter, Mary Jane Lyda, a granddaughter, Rachael Griffien, and a step-daughter, Marjorie Clarkson.

Visit Catherine's personal tribute page at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com to share stories and condolences, and light a free candle in her memory.