Lelia Doris Sanders Clarke, 83, of West Columbia, died Wednesday, September 2, 2015. Born in the Blenheim Township of Marlboro County, SC, she was a daughter of the late James Peterkin Sanders and Elizabeth Hudson Sanders. Doris grew up in Blenheim, attended Key Elementary School and graduated from Lower Marlboro High School. She moved to Columbia, where she worked for Bell South. In 1956, Doris married Mel Clarke, began a family, and remained at home with the children. Later in life, she worked for Lexington Medical Center for 15 years before her retirement. After retirement, she enjoyed caring for her grandchildren. Doris served as Corporate Secretary and remained in support of her husband and family in their business, Service Printing Co.

She was a former member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church and Northside Baptist Church, and was currently a member of Saluda River Baptist Church and the Joyful Friends Sunday School Class. Earlier in life, Doris enjoyed teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Melbourne E. Clarke of West Columbia; children, Melbourne E. Clarke, Jr. (Diane) of West Columbia, J. Michael Clarke (Donna) of Gilbert, Melissa Clarke Drafts (Jeffrey) of Lexington; six grandchildren, Chelsea Clarke, Ashlyn C. Lander (Bill), J. Derek Drafts (Melea), Kayla Drafts, Parker Clarke, Preston Clarke; and one great grandchild on the way. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by siblings, Louise Galloway, J.P. Sanders, Jr., Mary Sanders and Eleanor Bates.

The funeral service for Mrs. Clarke will be held 1 o'clock, Saturday, September 5th, at Saluda River Baptist Church, with The Rev. Dr. Charles Westbrook and The Rev. Dr. Stephen Gantt. Burial will follow at Woodridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 o'clock, Friday evening at the church's Family Life Center. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Saluda River Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 3459 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169; or to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste. 1509, New York, NY 10018.

The family would like to express appreciation to all Mrs. Clarke's caregivers as well as the staff of Carroll Campbell Place Extended Care Facility.