Jo Ann "Jodie" M. Clarke
Oct 14, 1942 -
Mar 4, 2026
Jodie passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Anchorage, surrounded by her daughter, Jennifer Clarke; granddaughter, Sloan Pettyjohn; and friend, Lani Jensen. Jodie was 83.
Born on Oct. 14, 1942, in Dayton, Ky., to Frederick and Vivian Sloan, Jodie moved to Alaska with her family as a young girl. She grew up in Sitka and Juneau, and graduated from Juneau-Douglas High in 1960. After graduation, she attended Griffin-Murphy Business College in Seattle before returning to Juneau.
Jodie married Ted Vadman in 1963. Following their divorce in 1967, she married Larry Clarke in 1968. Together they relocated to Anchorage, where Jodie would spend the next four decades building a family and helping shape Alaska's banking, mortgage and title industries.
A respected leader, Jodie began her career in banking. Jodie rose through the ranks from loan servicing to VP in construction at NBA and FNBA. She later opened and managed Alaska operations for MGIC, held executive leadership roles with Land and TransAlaska Title, worked in loan origination with Premier & Residential Mortgage, then concluded her career as Head of Alaska Operations for Arctic Mortgage Insurance, before retiring in 2008.
Jodie was also a Charter Member in Anchorage of the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women (1975-2008) and served in numerous leadership roles at the local, regional and national levels, including President, Regional Governor and National Recording Secretary.
Business aside, Jodie's greatest gift was bringing people together. She was a natural connector, mentor and friend. Her legendary Libra parties, Christmas cookie exchanges, Cinco de Mayo gatherings at the lake and open-door holiday celebrations welcomed friends, family, colleagues and newcomers alike. She had quick wit, a terrible golf swing, generous spirit and a remarkable ability to make everyone feel included.
Diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2000, Jodie faced the disease with resilience, grace and humor. Following retirement, she volunteered with the Alzheimer's Association, remained an advocate for others living with MS and cherished time with family and friends.
Jodie is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Clarke of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Sloan Pettyjohn, Austin; sister, Janet O'Malley; nieces, Liesl Bland, Stella Keller, Kaitlin McLaughlin; cousins, Lorraine Davis, Patsy Sanders; best friends, Lani Jensen, Kay Murphy; other extended family members and friends, whose lives she forever touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A celebration of Jodie's life will be held at a later date.
