Clarence S. West, Sr.

Mr. Clarence S. West, Sr., was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Clarence was affectionately known by many names which include: Stiffy, Lil Bruh, Man-house, and Heavy. He was born on October 3, 1934 to the late Roosevelt West and Lucille Anderson West. He was preceded in death by his sisters Emily Mae Covington and Rosa Lee Darden, brother Roosevelt West, Jr; and son Ramon N. West. Clarence retired from the Norfolk Naval Supply Center after 34 years of outstanding service. He dutifully served his country in the United States Army and the Army Reserves, retiring after 34 years of service. After his retirement he worked at project SHARE for several years. He faithfully volunteered his time with Partners in Education, Meals on Wheels, and tutoring with Booker T. Washington Elementary School. He faithfully served his community as President of the John F. Kennedy High School P.T.A., and Booster Club Chairman. He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP. Clarence matriculated through the Suffolk Public School System, graduating from East Suffolk High School and earning his Associate’s Degree from Norfolk State University. Clarence gave his life to Christ at an early age and faithfully served the Lord. As a young man, he began his Christian service as a deacon with First Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill. He later joined East End Baptist Church where he served over 50 years. He served in various positions such as Chairman of the Deacon Board, and Church Purchasing Agent. He also served with the following ministries: Faith Evangelism Ministry, Voices of Praise and Men of Praise Choirs. In affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board, he along with his wife took evangelism and discipleship very seriously as they traveled to several foreign lands. He was the primary contributor to East End Baptist Church earning the nickname “Eat In” Baptist Church as many enjoyed his outstanding culinary skills that he exhibited at many church celebratory occasions. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving, devoted wife of 62 years, Oprah E. West, daughters Cynthia Edwards (Alvin) of Flint, Michigan and Jeanetta Lynne Whitehurst (Kelvin-deceased) of Norfolk, Virginia, sons Clarence West Jr. (Tanya) of Suffolk, Virginia and Milton Sawyer of Tacoma, Washington. Grandchildren: Zuwarah Jahi, Jessica Edwards, Melanie Harris (Mitchell), Benjamin West, Ramon West, Kelvin, Jr, Darius and Isaiah Whitehurst, Taylor Barnes, (Dontrail), Clarence III and Caelyn West. Great grandchildren: Adiya, Ikalanni, Kaylehm and, Analu Jahi, Joshua Harris, Justin Edwards, Romare West, and Cairo Barnes, sister, Barbara West Copeland, and sister-in-law, Marilyn B. West. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Clarence West, Sr. has touched many lives around the world and will be remembered fondly by those whose lives he impacted. A viewing will be held 2-7 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2020 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A private service and interment will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clarence S. West, Sr., please visit our flower store.