Clifford Stinson

A celebration of life and homegoing service for Clifford “Bro” Stinson, who died September 11, 2014, was held Saturday, Sept. 20, at Greenwood Baptist Church in Shady Dale. Rev. Nicholas Curry, pastor, officiated; burial was in Shady Dale Community Cemetery.

Mr. Stinson was born July 9, 1928 in Shady Dale. He was the fourth of 11 children born to Henry and Mattie (Farrar) Stinson, both of whom preceded him in death.

Being the first born son, Clifford was very ambitious and determined to follow in his father’s footsteps. At age 12, he learned and mastered the basic skills of farming. By age 15, he was maintaining his own farm.

Clifford was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 295. He enjoyed the sports of fishing and hunting. His summers were filled with days of fishing on the banks and telling jokes.

He was educated in the local Shady Dale school system, and spent most of his younger years there. Clifford married Dena Lucille Thompkins in July, 1952. In the late 1960s, Clifford and Lucille moved to Covington. There he became a laborer in several factories until he retired from Hercules, Inc., in 1993. Although he’d retired, Clifford still continued to be active, working independently and farming small gardens and fishing.

Clifford was just as gentle and compassionate as he was humorous. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years. He insisted on sharing the responsibility of caring for his mother until her death. He dedicated much of his time to sharing knowledge, and safe guarding many of his nephews and nieces. Because of this, he will truly be missed.

Four siblings preceded him in death, Julia Mae Whitfield, Catherine Eubanks, Charlie Stinson and Ervin Stinson.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Lucille, of Covington; a son, Jerome White of Covington; sisters, Roberta Greene of Shady Dale and Pauline Eubanks of Covington; brothers, Henry Stinson, Roosevelt Stinson, both of Covington, Freddie Stinson of Miami, Fla., and Eugene (Sarah) Stinson of Shady Dale. Also, two grandsons, one great-grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. www.smithandsonsfuneralhomemonticello.com.