Corporal Samuel Jacob Clarke

Cp., Samuel Jacob Clarke, USMC
Sam's journey through life was a testament to resilience, curiosity, and love. Born in Hayes, Clarendon, Jamaica West Indies to Hugh and Esmelin Clarke, he displayed an insatiable appetite for adventure from an early age. He immigrated to New York City in 1972 and graduated from Bayside High School in 1976. His love of adventure led him to join the United States Marines in 1976. After training at Parris Island, SC, he was stationed at Camp Lejune in NC. His tour of duty included deployment to Japan and Southeast Asia. While in the Philippines Sam met and married his first wife, Elena Subueno and together they had a beautiful daughter Charise Clarke. After his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged in 1984.
His love of adventure continued after his military service. As a civilian, Sam worked as a Prison Guard at Riker's Island Prison and as an over the road truck driver traveling across the country. While in Florida, Sam met and married Rose Marie Kerr, who lovingly cared for him to the end. Sam's journey ended on September 15, 2024, when he took his last breath at Kindred Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Left to mourn his passing are, his loving wife, Rose Clarke; his Mother Esmelin (pre-deceased by his Dad Hugh Clarke); his daughter Charise aka Chyna Layne; his siblings: Jennefer Clarke, Dennis Clarke (Eula); Claudeth Henry (Ceci), and Sonia Smith (Juan); his granddaughter Halo; Nephews and Nieces - Larry Lesaine, Keon Thomas, Jason Henry, Avery Henry, Cortnei Henry, Maxine Paulena, Cherise Charite, Hugh Clarke, Chad Clarke, Juan Smith Jr, Juante Smith, and Tia Montenegro, and several grandnephews and grandnieces. Sam was preceded in death by his brother, Neville Williams. He will be remembered by friends and countless acquaintances he met along the way and those whose lives he touched.