With a part-time job as a production editor on the Guardian Opinion desk and a growing private practice as a counsellor, Joanna Clarke-Jones, who has died aged 53 of glioblastoma, combined a love of language and news with an open-hearted commitment to helping other people.
Her 20-year career at the Guardian began on Public magazine, from where she moved, in 2013, to become production editor of the Society section, which carried news and features on the NHS, local government and the voluntary sector. She brought this expertise with her to the Opinion desk, along with a lively interest in politics, the arts, development and social justice. A calm, skilful and easygoing presence in a high-pressure environment, she earned colleagues’ affection as well as respect.
