Clarissa Vernena Barton

​Clarissa Vernena Barton, age 91, of Jenison, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. She was born to Charles and Mildred Barton in Newaygo, MI. Clarissa graduated from Newaygo High School, Moody Bible Institute and Western Michigan University. After teaching at Pine Street School in Fremont, MI, she served overseas with Baptist Mid-Missions, first in the Republic of Congo and then in the Central African Republic. In 1988, she responded to an invitation from the mission’s Bible Society, Bibles International in Grand Rapids. Twenty years of ministry there rounded out her fifty years of service with Baptist Mid-Missions. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Bill Barton of Muskegon; sister-in-law, Betty Barton of Keysville, Virginia; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by brothers, John and Charles Barton; sister-in-law, Peggy Barton. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Bob Bloom officiating. The burial will take place at Newaygo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bibles International, 609 36th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548-2317.