Clyde Clyburn

Deacon Emeritus Clyde Clyburn, Sr. transitioned into eternal rest to be with the Lord whom he loved and worshiped daily on Thursday night, September 3, 2020. Deacon Clyburn always spoke of and praised the Lord for the many blessings he had received throughout his life.

Deacon Clyburn was born on May 5, 1931 in Kershaw County. He was the 5th child along with his twin brother whom he was born first before his twin brother of 15 children to his parents the late Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Hettie Clyburn. After completion of his public school education in Kershaw County, Clyde went on to join the military and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1956 after a tour of duty for five years and continued on in the Army Reserves. Deacon Clyburn was proud to be a soldier and one often say, "I was a strong soldier, an Army man, that's the reason why I stand so straight, walk so fast and can look any man straight in his eyes, oh yes!"

After his military duties came to an end Clyde returned home to Camden; met his wife, Willie Mae Adams, the woman of his dream. They got married and moved to Jamaica Queens, New York. While living in New York, he was employed at the United Stated Postal Service for 36 years (retired); a mentor for the PALS Group for young men trying to find their way in life; a Mason, and a member of the N.A.A.C.P.

After living in New York for 38 years he and his wife returned home to Camden in 1997. He reinstated his membership at the St. John Baptist Church. Deacon Clyburn became a trustee, later ordained as a deacon, afterwards followed as chairman of the Deacon Board Ministry, served on the finance committee, and was very active in the Sunday School Ministry.

He and his wife, Sister Willie Mae celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in Jamaica, West Indies given to them by their children! At the time of his passing on September 3, 2020 they had been married for 61 amazing wonderful years! His wife, Sister Willie Mae remembers her husband in such a caring, funny and loving manner with her beautiful smile. She shared with the congregation at St. John Baptist a few years ago during a special recognition program honoring couples that had been married for a number of years. Sister Clyburn proudly said, "Clyde and I met at a fire and was smoking every since!" The church congregation and guests burst into laughter like no other time ever before! To this lovely union together they reared three sons and two daughters.

Deacon Clyburn was preceded in his passing: two sons, the late Clyde Clyburn, Jr. affectionately called "Claudee and the late Vincent Clyburn (a twin son).

Always and forever to hold Deacon Clyburn's love for Christ, sense of humor, daily laughter, enjoyment of planting flowers, gardening and traveling are his wife of 61 years, Sister Willie Mae Clyburn, his children: Victor Clyburn (Camden, S.C.); Bridget Dee Clyburn of Long Island, New York and Teresa Camilla Clyburn Logan (Michael) of Cambria Heights, New York.
Also preceded him in death are his parents: Mr. Charlie Clyburn Sr. and Mrs. Hettie Clyburn; Brothers and Sisters: James E. Clyburn, Sr. (Lessie B.) Ruth Clyburn Stanley (Bennie Sr.); Wilson L. Clyburn; Naomi Clyburn Kershaw (Pete); Charlie Clyburn II, Esther Clyburn Seabrook (Robert), Clifford Clyburn (Dorothy) which was Deacon Clyde's twin brother); Lillie Mae Clyburn and Vivianne Clyburn, each of whom had twin sisters who survived.

To continue fond memories of Clyde are his Brother: William (Beverly) Clyburn of Aiken, S.C.; Sisters: Dorothy Bell Alexander of Youngstown, Ohio; Willie Mae Allen of Mattapan, Massachusetts/Youngstown, Ohio; Louise Webb of Atlanta, Georgia and Viva Lee Baker (James) of Brooklyn, New York; sister in law, Dorothy M. Clyburn, wife of the late Wilson L. Clyburn along with many other relatives, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and close friends.