Clarissa Dawn DeGarmo Clukie
Clarissa Dawn DeGarmo Clukie
Clarissa Dawn DeGarmo Clukie, age 41, of Grand Ridge, Florida, passed away on July 3, 2026. She was born on March 29, 1985, in Steubenville, Ohio, and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, dedication to her profession, and a warm spirit that touched those who knew her.
Clarissa was the beloved wife of Matthew J. Clukie and the loving mother of Jarrod Nicholas Clukie. She was also lovingly carrying her son, Clayton Edward Clukie, who passed away with her. She is survived by her husband, her son, her mother, Melanie Dale DeGarmo, her mother-in-law, Sherry J. O'Neal, her grandmother, Maryann Smith, her brother, Jason M. DeGarmo and his wife Melissa, her sister, Kylie DeGarmo, and her stepbrother, Matthew Howard. She was preceded in death by her father, Steven Arthur DeGarmo.
A proud honors graduate of Plant City High School, Class of 2003, Clarissa continued her education with determination and purpose. She earned her Bachelor’s degree, with honors, from the University of Florida in Criminology and Forensic Psychology. She later attended Argosy University, where she completed both her master’s and doctorate degrees and graduated with honors. Her commitment to learning and her passion for helping others guided her throughout her life and career.
After completing her education, Clarissa relocated to North Florida and made her home in Grand Ridge after moving from Plant City. She began her career at Florida State Hospital and remained devoted to her work there for approximately 10 years. At the time of her passing, she was serving as a psychologist at Florida State Hospital. Her colleagues and those she served knew her as a compassionate professional who approached her work with intelligence, empathy, and care.
Clarissa found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She especially loved spending time with her husband and son, and her family was the center of her world. She was an avid animal lover and enjoyed attending Scottish Festivals, the demolition derbies at the Peanut Festival fairgrounds, watching Monster Trucks, and saltwater fishing. Her interests reflected her lively personality and her appreciation for both family traditions and exciting experiences.
Those who knew Clarissa will remember her as a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her dedication to her profession, and the love she shared so freely with her family. Her memory will remain a blessing to all whose lives she touched.
Memorialization will be by Cremation. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Partners for Pets in Marianna at 4011 Maintenance Dr, Marianna, FL 32448 in Clarissa’s memory.
A visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at McAlpin Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Eastern Time.