Clarence Works

Clarence Edward Works Clarence Edward Works was born January 4, 1943 in Memphis Tennessee, to the union of Bishop Leroy and Evangelist Louise Works - Both his parents and brothers, Leroy Works Jr., William Louis Works and sister Ernestine Works Reddick, preceded him in death.

Clarence Edward Works was married to Barbara J. Green-Works who preceded him in death for 59 wonderful-years, in keeping with their vows given in God’s house, for richer or for poorer, till death do us part. Clarence Edward Works departed this life on April 10, 2021. Clarence’s parents migrated to Chicago, Illinois when Clarence was just a few months old.

Clarence’s father was the late Bishop Leroy Works, of the Northside of Church of God In Christ. Clarence grew up on the Great Northside of Chicago where at the tender age of ten, Clarence had a paper route, and by the time he was 12 years old he was making more money than some adults. In 1959, the young people that lived on the North Side of Chicago had a youth Center for socializing, and this is where Barbara first laid eyes on Clarence. He was doing a dance called the Mumbo Cha Cha to the song “Poinciana” by Ahmed Jamal. Barbara was very shy and at that time only Juniors and Seniors were at this dance, so she never spoke to him. Barbara was friends with a young lady by the name of Mary Johnson. Mary introduced Barbara to Clarence and that was the beginning of their lasting courtship.

Clarence then met Barbara J Green-Works his future wife while attending church services, at his father’s church, The North Side Church of God in Christ, Chicago, Illinois, as he sang praises of God from the choir stand. From that moment on both of their lives changed forever. The two of them were inseparable. Under the guidance of both families Barbara’s relationship with Clarence matured thus seeding an everlasting love affair that lasted over 60-plus years.

Clarence was ranked as Captain at Wells High School’s R.O.T.C in Chicago, Illinois. He would take Barbara to all the R.O.TC., Ballroom dances where Barbara dressed beautifully in her fancy dress and Clarence in his Military Uniform they were beautiful teenagers. Clarence graduated from Wells High-School in 1961 and from there went straight to the army, and Barbara was very sad. After receiving numerous proposals of marriage, Barbara and Clarence were happily married in Holy Matrimony on, August 1, 1962. It was then he was blessed with his first assignment from the U.S Army, to be based in Fort Campbell KY, where Clarence and Barbara join her two sisters with their military husbands. Their husbands were much older than Clarence, so they were able to show him by example of what it took to be a good leader and proud soldier.

In 1966 Clarence and his wife moved to Germany, where Clarence joined the army band, and realizing his musical talent which got him a position as a clarinet player, and here they remained in Germany for 6 months. One month later his class Clarence attend (OCS) Officer’s Candidate School, in Columbus GA, where Clarence graduated from OCS with the rank of first Lieutenant, in the infantry. It was wonderful time to see all the proud young black officers that had graduated in Clarence’s class, Barbara was so proud of her husband. Clarence, applied at the West Point Military School,

Clarence was the only person to pass the exam. In 1967 the military led him on to his next tour to Vietnam, he truly missed his family and friends. He would often talk about some of the sad things that happened in Vietnam, such as losing friends and men falling under stress. (Thank God he came home unharmed). Clarence, was then promoted to captain at “River Station” in beautiful Fort Sheridan IL. Where he was now close to home and able to see family and friends, unfortunately those best of times came to an end when he received orders to return to Vietnam. Clarence, then made the decision to retire from the Military with 12 years of service, ranked respectfully as a Captain of the U.S Army.

Clarence loved his wife Barbara and she loved being a military wife and was truly grateful for times she spent with him and she would fondly tell everyone that would listen that “He is my hero beneath my wings” To the union of Barbara Jean Green-Works and Clarence Edward Works two children were born, Phillip Works and Bridget Ann Works. Each of them will always cherish and love their mother. Clarence is survived by his children Phillip Works of Chicago, Illinois; Bridget A Mabon [Kedric] of Lindenhurst Illinois, Cynthia Walker [Sammy] of Memphis Tennessee, Grandchildren; Kevon, Sammy Jr, Chauncey, Joshua; a sister Larraine Works Darey, of Glenwood Illinois and a host of Great-Grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.