James Clarke Obituary

CLARKE JAMES SHERIDAN CLARKE Born September 18, 1912 died on January 18, 2009. James Clarke, beloved father of Victoria Clarke Wood, Breena Clarke Cooper, Cheryl L. Clarke and Pearl Witherspoon, was a lifelong resident of Washington, DC. and a veteran of World War II. Funeral services will be held at Marshall's Funeral Home, 4217 Ninth Street, N.W., Washington, DC on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11 a.m. viewing at 10 a.m. Interment at Maryland National Cemetery. The repast will be held at 739 Madison Street, NW following the interment.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Clarke

Sponsored by Breena Clarke, a devoted daughter.

11 Entries

days gone by...

vicki clarke

October 24, 2014

Hi Popsi. It seems like only yesterday you were teaching me to ride a bicycle without training wheels... you have another grandchild, Quinten Maurice Watkins who was born 100 years after you on February 9, 2012. I tell him that you would've called him a "little critter" and had a fabulous time watching him grow up. Well, in less than 50 business days your little one is going to retire, imagine that... the idea is a bit daunting because all I've ever known is hard work and service to others. I miss and think of you every day... the world is a staggering place without you alive in it. As far back as I can remember you were my rock, my security, my refuge... I have your compact stereo set in my office. It's a constant reminder that you'll always be closeby... at home I have the record player stereo set that we gave you for Xmas one year. It sits on top of the old cabinet style 33 RPM player and AM/FM radio set just like the one Nannie had. I just wanted to say a few words to you today... but you know I talk to you in my heart all the time. You have no idea how much I love and miss you... but, then again I think you do. Vicki

November 17, 2011

It's been a long time since I wrote to you Popsi, but you're never far from my heart. I still miss you terribly, especially on Friday evenings. You'll be happy to know that Veronica is expecting a young man she's naming Quinten Maurice Watkins!! How about that? I knew that'd tickle your fancy.
Love,
Lil' Vicki

Popsi's Fraternity

September 18, 2009

A Young and Dapper James Clakre

September 18, 2009

Popsi and his Father

September 18, 2009

Today, September 18, 2009, marks your 77th year. Happy Birthday Popsi! Not a day passes that I don't think of you, look at your pictures, or talk to you in my mind. I love you, and miss you very, very much!

Lil' Vicki

Victoria Clarke

March 18, 2009

"It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was."

Anne Sexton, US poet (1928-1974)

My Eulogy to Popsi

• WE COULD ALL TAKE A PAGE FROM POPSI’S BOOK,

INSTEAD OF BAD-MOUTHING, PLAYER-HATING, AND GIVING EACH OTHER THAT EVIL-EYED LOOK.

• HE WILL ALWAYS BE A FIRST-CLASS, DAPPER DRESSING, OLD-FASHIONED SOUTHERN GENT,

HE DID EVERYTHING, FOR EVERYBODY ON TIME, AND HE NEVER MISSED THE RENT.

• SO FOR ALL THE ‘PROPERS’ YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN,

PLEASE KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU EVEN THOUGH YOU SPOILED ME ROTTEN.

Love Always, Lil’ Vicki

Vicki Clarke

March 10, 2009

Popsi, I potted some Lucky Bamboo today in two beautiful decanters filled with chinese stones in varying colors. One container is made of crystal with etchings, and the other is a translucent-colored orange. The cool to the touch stones reminded me of your even, laid back temperment. The rays of sunshine cascading around and through the crystal reminded me of how you always stayed connected to the people around you. And the sturdy and beautiful plants reminded me of both your elegant style, and hearty, traditional manner. I miss you everyday, especially on Friday. That was our day, our special moments together, our time to forget about worries and just enjoy ourselves... the fried fish, talking about 'back in the day,' and of course watching Amos and Andy. Love Always, Vicki

Breena Clarke

January 31, 2009

My happiest memories of childhood are the memories of our family vacation in Atlantic City, NJ Popsi fried the chicken and Popsi did all of the driving.

Vicki Clarke

January 30, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Breena Clarke

January 29, 2009

A lifelong resident of the District of Columbia, James S. Clarke was the "Chief" of his neighborhood. He was a nurturer, a protector and a teacher. James S. Clarke served in the U.S. army in WWII and worked for thirty-three years for the National Bureau of Standards. With courage and charm he met every challenge from the racially discriminatory society in which he lived. Happily, he lived to see change! In November 2009 James S. Clarke cast his ballot for the first African American to become president.

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