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 Miss Joanna Faith Clarke was born in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, to the late John and Eva Clarke. Her father was a Minister of the Gospel. She remains the only survivor of her immediate family.
Although her father passed away when she was quite young, he left his family a religious heritage which was continued by her mother, who ensured that her children were well versed in the scriptures. The scripture verses studied during daily family devotions still come readily to her mind.
Miss Clarke came to the Cayman Islands 40 years ago having begun her teaching career at the Friendship Primary School in Westmoreland, Jamaica. She taught for three years at George Town Primary School, following which she served as the principal at Savannah Primary School for 16 years. Significant developments, including the shift from a one-roomed school to a multi-class roomed building, were achieved during her tenure. Miss Clarke’s vision/aspiration to see each student excel, is reflected in the school’s motto “The Best Always”, which she developed. From Savannah Primary School, she moved on to the Education Department where for 10 years she was the education officer responsible for Language Arts in the Cayman Islands’ primary and middle schools.
Miss Clarke retired from education in 1993, but immediately thereafter responded to the call to continue working in a field dear to her heart. In 1994 she took up the post of programme educator for the Young Parents Programme, a unit of the the former Department of Social Services, where she continues to experience the satisfaction of seeing young parents become empowered to achieve their full potential.
Throughout her teaching career she has “invested in lives” and has felt immense pride and joy in seeing her students excel in whatever career path they chose to pursue.
Miss Clarke received her elementary education at the Friendship Primary School in Westmoreland, and started tertiary education at the Mico and Monegue Teacher Training Colleges. In 1972 she obtained a certificate in Education from Nottingham University in the UK, and in 1982 she earned a diploma in Education Management from Sheffield Polytechnic, also in the UK. In 1988 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami, USA, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. In 1990 she was awarded a Certificate in Curriculum Development from the University of London, School of Education.
 In 1985 Miss Clarke received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in acknowledgement of her services in the field of education, and in 2003 she was a recipient of the Quincentennial Lifetime Achievement Award.
Miss Clarke is a committed Christian and in addition to her work in Education, she is actively involved in the work of the church. She attends the Church of God Full Gospel Hall where she serves as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent. She engages in work with the young adults programmes and conducts Bible study classes. Miss Clarke could be described as a lay preacher as she has spoken at various churches and to women’s groups. She also assists with bringing the messages on “The Gospel of the Kingdom Echoes” weekly radio broadcast.
Miss Clarke has been involved in the scouting in Cayman for 40 years. She is currently a Cub Scout leader for the George Town Pack, and has been Assistant Chief Commissioner of the Cub Scouts for 12 years. Her work with children has given her the privilege of making a significant and lasting impact on many lives. Miss Clarke beams with pride when she talks about her former students and scouts who have taken up positions of leadership in the community. Her past students are to be found in nearly every aspect of the professional, vocational and business life in the Cayman Islands.
 As she continues to work with Cayman’s youth, her greatest satisfaction is derived from helping young people to become empowered with the skills, attitudes and the spiritual dimension they need to overcome the hurdles of life.
She considers herself blessed to have touched the lives of so many.
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