Portsmouth, VA – James Lee Clarke, 77 of 921 Blair Street, Portsmouth, VA died Friday, February 11, 2011 at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was a native of Branchville, VA and the son of the late Robert Clarke and Susie Jones Clarke. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Clarke.

He was retired with HRT Bus Company. He was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church where he was an usher. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and belong to the Masons, Truxton Doric Ionic #91.

He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Clarke and Lakeshia Clarke both of Portsmouth, VA; one son, Emmanuel Woodley (Agnes) of Franklin, VA; three grandchildren and one great grandchild; four sisters, Catherine Williams of Suffolk, Emily Vicks and Conceller Clarke both of Courtland, VA and Mary V. Clarke of Chesapeake, VA; one brother, Robert Clarke of Suffolk; special devoted fiancée, Catherine Airline; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Metropolitan Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Robert Hobbs. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.