Clarence Peterson

Clarence Peterson was born on December 19, 1928 in River Rouge, Michigan. He was one of the nine beloved children born to Elder Thomas Hugh Peterson Sr., and his wife Lenora Wilson- Peterson. Three of the nine children died during infancy. Clarence enjoyed a loving and close relationship with his five remaining siblings: Thomas, Thelma Lee, George, Hazel, and Gloria Dean. Elder Thomas Hugh Peterson Sr. and his wife, Lenora instilled Christian values in their children creating a bond that could not be broken. As a young child, Clarence often assisted his parents in preparing their family home for weekly Bible studies. While leading small church gathering, his mother often played the piano to accompany her singing of the Christian hymns. This lead to an interest in piano by Clarence, who later began to play the piano for his mother during these in-home church services. Clarence went on to master the piano, playing the classics of Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart for larger audiences. Clarence loved music. He was an inspiration to his siblings, his children, and those who heard him play. Clarence established life long friendships. He met his best friend, Melvin Buckley, in first grade, Their friendship has lasted for 76 years. He later became friends with Dr. Bernard Bridges, of Atlanta GA, their relationship lasted for 70 years until his death in the 1990s. As friends, they did everything together as children and as young men. They were know as the “Three Musketeers” by those who saw them together. The three were inseparable. If they were not studying to achieve good grades in school, they were working odd jobs on the railroads of Detroit or working on the Michigan cruise ships traveling between Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, NY. They used their earnings to help out their families. Clarence loved to read books, and excelled academically. He learned to speak fluent French with his best friends while attending River Rouge High. He loved music, and he was a soloist in the River Rouge High School Glee club. He graduated from high school with top honors in 1947, and he went on to attend Wayne State University (WSU). While at WSU, Clarence paid his college tuition by working full time at Great Lake Steel Co., he remained devoted to his family, he was always willing to give any surplus of his wages to his mother to help out at home. At WSU, Clarence was an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.,. He received his masters degree in Business and Public Administration (MBA/MPA) from George Washington Universty in Washington, DC. After college, Clarence was drafted into the Army, and he was honorably discharged after serving a single tour of duty in the Korean Conflict. After Korea, Clarence met and married his late wife of 49 years, Donna Virgilee English. From this union, they had seven children: Donna Annette, Fay Elizabeth, Clarence Anthony, Carla Lynn, Lisa Regina, James Louis, and Rebecca Lenora. Clarence loved his children dearly, and he was a devoted father. A large portion of the legacy he has left to his children are a love of God, empowerment through education, and a strong appreciation of music. He began his Federal Civil Service career as a Claims Representative for the Social Security Administration in Dearborn , Michigan . He was promoted to Disability Claims Authorizer and transferred to the Social Security Headquarters in Woodlawn, Maryland. Clarence received a final promotion to Disability Program Administrator, and he was transferred to the Social Security Regional Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While there, he was responsible for overseeing the Social Security Programs in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. He retired from the government after 35 years of service. In addition to his successful professional career, he was also a committed civil rights advocate. He was one of thousands who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1963. Clarence supported many social causes including marching for peace in Washington, DC to end the war in Vietnam; he also participated in the Million-Man March for Social Solidarity. Clarence loved peace. Clarence was a life long member of the Church of Christ, serving as a song leader, Bible School teacher and treasurer in Baltimore, MD, Collingswood, New Jersey and Camden, New Jersey Churches of Christ. He truly magnified the principle; “it is better to give, than to receive”. He loved the Church of Christ, and he was devoted to its growth and the support of the churches around the world. On October 13, 2010, Clarence Peterson was called home to the Lord. He was preceded in death by siblings, Thomas, Thelma Lee, and George. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna V. English-Peterson. He was preceded in death by his children, Donna Annette, Clarence Anthony, and Rebecca Lenora. He is survived by siblings Hazel and Gloria Dean. He is survived by his children, Fay Elizabeth, Carla Lynn, Lisa Regina, and James Louis. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jade Ashley, Myranda Victoria, and Michael Anthony. He leaves behind his very best friend Melvin Buckley, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other dear friends and relatives.

Tributes

Clarence Peterson

December 19, 1928 - October 13, 2010