Martha Helen Clark Cerrone, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 16th, 2026. Marty (as she preferred to be called), was born on March 25th,1940 in Concord, North Carolina to Gilbert E. Clark and Marilyn E. Clark (Eddins) and was sister to Linda Lyles, Joyce Williams and Dennis Clark.

Marty attended Hartsell High School in Concord, N.C. graduating in 1958 as valedictorian. She went on to attend Brevard College in Brevard, N.C. from 1958-1960 and Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. from 1960-1962 where she graduated with an A.B. in History and Political Science.

From there, Marty traveled to Washington, D.C. to work for the Social Security Administration. One day she said a lady walked into the building in what she called “the most beautiful uniform she had ever seen.” The lady was recruiting women for the Navy. Without hesitation, Marty joined the Navy becoming a Communications Officer during the Vietnam War and serving several years.

It was there she met her future husband, George J. Cerrone Jr. They married on June 25th, 1967, in the state of Rhode Island. Marty and George moved to Denver, Colorado where they raised two children: Michael Andrew Cerrone and Andrea Clark Kerl (Cerrone).

In addition to being a homemaker, Marty ran for the position of Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, received her MBA from University of Colorado, Denver, and worked in the HR department at the original St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver.

Marty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest inspiration and joy. Where dad was the rock of our family, mom was the fortress.

Marty is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert E. Clark and Marilyn E. Clark (Eddins) and her husband of 55 years, George J. Cerrone Jr.

She is survived by her children: Michael Andrew Cerrone and Andrea Clark Kerl (Cerrone); 8 grandchildren: Scott, Kaitlin, Michael, Sarah, Kindra, Madison, Megan and Sean and 2 great-grandchildren: Preslee and Peyton.

Marty’s burial ceremony will be held Friday May 8th, 2026, at 9:30 am, at Fort Logan National Cemetery. To attend, join the car procession at staging area White/B at 9:15 am.