Clarke was born as Emily McClean in Foster Hall, Saint John, Barbados, on 17 November 1902.

At some point, she got married and had four daughters: Rita Neblett, Aubrey Clarke, Enid Clarke, and Joyce King. Later on, she relocated to Carrington Village and subsequently to Grazettes (which are now encompassed within the city of Bridgetown) in Saint Michael. She also resided in England for a period with her daughter Aubrey, prior to her migration to the United States alongside Joyce. At some point, she moved back to Barbados. Clarke was employed as a maid and held membership at the Bank Hall Church of the Nazarene.

At the age of 110, she had 26 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. At the time, her eldest child and daughter, Rita, was 83 years old.

Clarke passed away in Rock Hall, Saint Peter, Barbados, on 1 June 2013, at the age of 110 years, 196 days.