Mrs. Lessie B. "Nanny" Clarke, 87, of Columbia, died on Saturday, November 30, 2013. Born May 21, 1926, in Roxboro, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late John Tracy Brandon, Sr., and Myrtle Thompson Paylor Brandon.

Lessie attended Spring Valley Baptist Church, was very caring, and was known as everyone's "Nanny". Mrs. Clarke cared for children of the neighborhood and beyond. She enjoyed giving her time to others and loved working in her yard.

Survivors include her daughters, Betty (Jerry) Benedict of Columbia, Carol Bradley of Blythewood, SC, Kathy (Jim) Powell of Columbia; sons, Tommy (Frances) Clarke of Blythewood, Donnie (Rochelle) Clarke of Irmo, SC, and James Clark of Lexington, SC; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Anne Brandon Wilkerson, and Lee Brandon Cozart; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Nanny was preceded in death by her brother, John Tracy Brandon, Jr.; sister, Josephine Brandon Hogan; and son-in-law, Edward "Butch" Bradley.

A funeral service for Mrs. Lessie B. "Nanny" Clarke will be held 3 o'clock, Wednesday, December 4th, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia, with The Rev. Dr. Robert Winburn officiating. Burial will follow at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock. Memorials may be made to the National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Ln., Suite B, Centennial, CO, 80112, or the Palmetto Health Foundation, 1600 Marion St., Columbia, SC, 29201.