Mr. John Ivory Clifton Sr.

John Ivory Clifton Sr. (Cliff) was born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, February 9, 1949, to Clarence Clifton Sr. and Annie Logan. He attended Crawfordsville Elementary and High school. John worked at various jobs some of which being The Chrysler Auto Plant in Detroit, MI. The Augusta Cooperation now known as Sloan, James Matthews, and OTC in Searcy, AR. The last five years, before his retirement in 2003, he worked for the Searcy School District as a bus driver. After his retirement he worked various odd jobs, one of which was mowing yards. He loved riding that “Bad Boy” mower and his favorite joke was “Where’s my five dollars?” John married Mae (Kendall) Clifton on January 23, 1971, in Detroit, MI. Their love for each other throughout their relationship was obvious. The bride says... “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is sweeter than wine.” (Song of Solomon 1: 2) In their union, four sons were born. He joined the Harris Chapel Baptist Church where his wife had been a lifetime member in 1973. In 1985 John moved his family to Searcy, AR and the family joined the Bethlehem Baptist Church. It is here where he “found his voice” to sing in church. John had a beautiful voice, but for a long time no one knew just how beautiful it was. He sang in the choir, and various men’s groups in the area. In 2004 he and his wife switched their membership back to Harris Chapel in Augusta and eventually in 2008 they moved back to Augusta, where they remained until his death. John was a faithful member Harris Chapel, always making sure the music and sound system worked perfectly every Sunday. John was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother Clarence Clifton Jr. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories his wife, Ethel Mae Clifton, of the home; two daughters Diana Alexander and Sharon Alexander of Waukegan, IL., four sons; John I. Clifton Jr. (Judia) of Searcy, AR., Jeffery L. Clifton of Pine Bluff, AR., Julian M. Clifton (Deloris) of Conway, AR. and Jason T. Clifton of Searcy, AR.; one grandson/son JayVonte’K. Clifton of Augusta, AR; two brothers: J.C. Clifton of Chicago, Ill. and Rev. James Wilson (Jearlene) of Earle, AR.; one sister, Viola Kidd of Little Rock, AR. as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, an many, many other relatives and friends. Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Prov. 20: 6-7) John’s legacy will live for many years to come through his family. Let the church say, Amen. Visitation will be Friday, February 9th, 2024 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - (cst) - Harris Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with funeral services to follow. Burial will follow at Harris Cemetery near Augusta.

Mr. John Ivory Clifton Sr.

February 9, 1949 - February 4, 2024