Clifton Arrington

Clifton Arrington,son of the late George and Lutoria Arrington slipped away quietly into eternal rest early in the morning on Wednesday,September 23,2009.He was the last sibling in his generation of'Arringtons'-a strong family with a strong faith and family values founded upon God and Jesus Christ.Clifton Arrington was born on August 20, 1921 in Halifax County,North Carolina(in Enfield). He was the eleventh child of twelve born to his parents. He attended Halifax County Public Schools. At an early age he committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and became active in several capacities at Wayman A.M.E. Church in Enfield,North Carolina.After graduating from the public school system in Halifax County,he wanted to go to college. Education was extremely important to him. He chose to earn his Barbers license during this time in order to fund his education. He successfully completed Turpin Barber School where he was licensed to serve both African American and Caucasian customers. He continued to save his money for seven years and entered Fayetteville State Teachers College in 1948. He graduated with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education in 1952.In the summer of 1947,Clifton met his wife of fifty plus years. They desired to help their family members elevate themselves through education. So,they agreed to delay marriage and assit others with college expenses. After an eleven-year engagement,Clifton Arrington married Lenora Turage on November 27, 1958.Clifton Arrington taught in Lancaster,South Carolina for seven years at Bar Street ElementarySchool where he also served as Assistant Principal. He then transferred to Enfield, North Carolina as a Principal at Ward Elementary School in his hometown of Halifax County,North Carolina for one year. In 1959 he transferred to Richmond Public Schools. During his tenure in Elementary Education in Richmond,he taught at Whitcomb Court Elementary School and Broad Rock Elementary School. In 1968,Clifton earned his Masters degree in Administration and Supervision from Indiana State University in Bloomington,Indiana. He later became the Curriculum Specialist/Assistant Principal at Broad Rock Elementary School.Upon moving to Richmond,Clifton affiliated with Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church where he served in several capacities,among them,Trustee and Church Bus Driver. During the early '80s,he affiliated with Woodville Church of the Nazarene. There he worked as Sunday School Superintendent and Board Member. He later affiliated with Brown Grove Baptist Church in Ashland. There he served on the Deacon Board. In 2006,God directed him to become a member of Mt. Gilead F.G.I.M. He was a faithful member who attended church every Sunday and Wednesday.Serving God and serving others was extremely important to Clifton. He was a giving and loving person to all he met. It was very common to hear people fo all walks of life referring to him affectionately as 'Pops' or 'Papa". He enjoyed sharing stories of the old days to encourage yout to keep your head up.do your best,and trust God. He was always offering an encouraging word and inviting people out to eat. He loved to fellowship.He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of fifty-plus years,Lenora Arrington;three daughters,"C.C."-Cliethenia Arrington,Lynnette Williams-Trent.and LaMeasha Carter Arrington;a devoted great nephew/son,Michael Whitehead,two grandchildren,Maurnette O. Williams and Ashlie Trent. As the last sibling in his generation,his sisters and brothers preceding him in death are Wheatley Hunter(James),Theresa Soloman(Zorah),Charlie Arrington,Willis Otto Arrington(Dorothy),Dock Connell Arrington(Lula),Alphonso Arrington,Pilpon Morgan Arrington(Josephine),George Arrington(Mary Alice),Rev.Dandy Arrington(Hazel),Fredrick Kelly Arrington(Virginia)and Queen Esther Chaney(Robert).His brothers-in-law are James Turnage,Jr.-deceased(Irma),Clarence Turnage(Sylvester),Joseph Turnage-deceased(Marie),Willie Turnage,and Lonnie Turange(Helena). His sisters-in-law are Lillian McCrimmon(Milton),Rosa Parland(Kenneth),Jeanette Leeks(Zannie),Lossie Wynn-deceased(Charles)and Lula Vereen(Harry).Clifton Arrington's family linage extends for several generations including many nieces and nephews(great and great-great),including a devoted nephew,Roosevelt Arrington. In addition there are many cousins,other relatives and friends including a devoted cousin,Spooner McWilliams,two devoted friends/brothers,Dr. Willis B. McLeod and Mr. William Burgess.

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Clifton Arrington

August 20, 1921 - September 23, 2009