Mersadie Cecilia Clarke was born on August 3, 1944, in Ricketts River, Jamaica, to Adina Ricketts and Raymond Clark. She accepted Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith, living a life marked by perseverance, generosity, and devotion to God and family.

While living in Jamaica, Mersadie worked as a dressmaker - an early reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit that would define much of her life. At an early age, she became the loving mother of Claudette Flemming-Johnson, followed by her son, Wendel Bowen. Determined to create greater opportunities for her family, she made plans to immigrate to the United States. During that season, she discovered she was expecting her youngest daughter, Arlene Bowen, and delayed her departure until after Arlene’s birth. With courage and determination, Mersadie eventually traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, leaving her four month-old daughter and her older children until the family could reunite. In 1973, with the assistance of Congressman Louis Stokes, her children joined her in Ohio.

After arriving in Cleveland, Mersadie worked as a resident housekeeper and quickly became known for her exceptional work ethic. Encouraged by those who recognized her dedication, she began employment at Highland Hills Hospital, where she faithfully worked until its closure, later transferring to Metro Hospital. Through discipline, sacrifice, and careful stewardship of her finances, she was able to purchase a home in Twinsburg, Ohio, in 1980.

In addition to her hospital career, Mersadie discovered a passion and talent for hospitality and catering. Working for Judge Una Keenon in preparing food for special events, she was inspired to establish her own catering business. Her meals were not only beautifully presented, but lovingly prepared and remembered by all who enjoyed them.

In 1999, Mersadie suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that led to her retirement from Metro Hospital. Even after this life-altering event, her resilience remained evident. Once her health improved, she continued catering, hosting garage sales, and participating in flea markets. Through her determination and resourcefulness, she was able to pay off her home and supplement her retirement income.

Mersadie was a devoted church member and faithfully attended Destiny Church until relocating to Columbus, Ohio. Prior to that, she was actively involved at Calvary Presbyterian Church and participated in programs at the Twinsburg Community Center. 

In August of 2025, after years of loving encouragement from family, she moved to Columbus to be closer to her youngest daughter, Arlene. She spent her final months enjoying the comfort and peace in a clutter-free, senior citizen apartment community. In March 2026, Mersadie was diagnosed with cancer that had metastasized. Having courageously battled cancer twice before, she chose not to pursue treatment again and instead embraced peace and rest.

She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Claudette and Wendel; her sister, Clarabell Ricketts-Dixon; and her brother, James Ricketts.

Mersadie leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter Arlene, her granddaughters Nicole Johnson and Melissa Johnson Smith (Thomas); her great-grandsons, Shane and Shaun; and her brother, Nehemiah Ricketts, who resides in Jamaica. Her nieces and nephews, who lovingly knew her as “Aunt Sadie,” will deeply miss her warmth, humor, and unwavering love. She often expressed how deeply she cherished her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Special friends with whom the family would like to acknowledge include Lorna Samuels, Estella White-Darden, Leanne Kachinko, and Charlie Freeman.

Mersadie will be remembered for her remarkable ability to negotiate a deal anywhere she went, her entrepreneurial spirit, her resilience through life’s challenges, and her willingness to help anyone in need. Her legacy of faith, determination, love, and generosity will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.