Clarence Higgins

Obituary For Clarence Higgins

Clarence was born in Barton, Mississippi (Marshall County) to William and Lillie Mae Higgins (nee: Gilliam). Growing up on the family farm, “Mr. William” and “Mrs. Lillie” raised Clarence and his siblings with a strong Christian faith and shared work ethic. Clarence shared in the work on the farm, but he yearned for more. He learned that education would be important in achieving personal success. After grade school, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he lived with his older brother, Fred, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He played football, sang in the school choir, and was a proud “Warrior.” Upon graduation, Clarence was drafted by the U.S. Army, and served one tour in the Korean War.

After serving his country, Clarence immediately returned to school and his continued education. He graduated from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi earning a Bachelor of Arts in education. While there, Clarence participated in athletics and was an All-American running back for the Rust College Football Bearcats. He met his first wife, Barbara Jean Wiley, while singing in the Rust College A Cappella Choir. Clarence began his teaching career at Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi in 1958. Clarence and Barbara married and began their lives as teachers in Mississippi. In 1961, Clarence and Barbara welcomed their only child, Vincent, into the world. Unfortunately, Barbara succumbed to heart disease just two months after the birth of their son, Vincent.

Early in his 34-year teaching career with Shelby County Schools, Clarence met Charlesetta Brown. The two married in 1964 and the young family settled in South Memphis. In 1971, the family welcomed a second son, Marcus, into the world. While he and Charlesetta raised the boys, Clarence continued his education with post-graduate studies at Memphis State University where he earned a Master of Arts in Elementary education. Throughout his career as an educator, he was an accomplished basketball coach, winning multiple titles while helping to shape the lives of scores of young athletes. He taught science at Neshoba Elementary, Riverdale Middle, Capleville Middle and Kirby Middle schools. He retired from teaching in 1994. He spent five summers as a Supervisor for the Memphis and Shelby County Park Commission. He was an avid golfer, and he filled his den with trophies and tournament plaques from victories over the years. Clarence was a long-time member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Clarence was truly a role model for his boys and for many more in the Higgins family. He spared no opportunity to remind his nieces, nephews, and their progeny of the importance of integrity, dedication, and purpose in molding their lives. Family was often a “verb” to Clarence. He became a second father to many in his family, exhorting them to be their best at whatever they chose to be.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a host of brothers, Charlie, Jack, William (Buddy-Boy), Fred, Elgin, Elton, James Curtis, and Lawrence; favorite nephew, Sammy Lee Phillips; his sisters, Augusta, Willie Mae and Mattie Pearl; and his grandson, Riley (Vince & Barbara).

Clarence is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlesetta; two sons, Vincent (Barbara) and Marcus (Moya); his granddaughter, Sala (Marcus); and his beloved youngest sister, Doris Rhodes. He enjoyed a close bond with his niece, Mattie Williams, and his nephews, Fred Higgins (Essie) and Darryl Wayne Higgins (Debbie), as well as hundreds of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 11:00am at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111.

Internment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125