el

William Clarence Poindexter

William Clarence Pointer was born into time on April 9, 1931 to Howard and Isabell (Allen) Poindexter. He was the third of five children, born into a family of strong Christian heritage. “Clarence” confessed faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in his hometown of Macon, Mississippi. Even as a child, he accepted his mission to serve God by serving people wherever he found himself. He had a strong sense of purpose, believing that God placed him on earth to make a difference. While he never desired to become rich and famous, he never turned away anyone in need.

Clarence attended Macon High School, where he played baseball, basketball and football, and became one of the school’s star quarterbacks. He is well regarded for his athletic skills and leadership among his peers. He also sang in the school choir. After graduating in 1951, Clarence was immediately called to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. During his time in Korea, he established himself as a leader and a caring fellow soldier. His efforts did not go unnoticed, even as a member of the first group of U.S. soldiers to serve in integrated units. He was eventually promoted to the rank of Corporal, and awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service.

After completing his tour of duty, Clarence returned home to Mississippi where among other things, he established himself as a “culinary expert”. Even his mom would praise his ability to make chicken and dumplings that would melt in your mouth. In 1953-54, he met and married Juanita Sanders and moved to Chicago. To their union were born three children. In 1973, he yielded to the will of God, who took Juanita to her heavenly home. He would eventually meet Jerri Cain, and to this union was born one child. Clarence worked hard to provide for his family, sometimes working two jobs. He became an Assistant Foreman at U.S.Steel, from which he retired in the early 1980s.

Clarence loved his fellow “Maconites”, so much so that in the early 1970s, with the encouragement of fellow Macon residents Fred Turner (St. Louis, MO) and his dear friend Joe Moseley, Jr. they established the Chicago Maconites and worked to form a network of Maconite clubs across the country. The goal was to celebrate their heritage and encourage young Maconites to pursue higher education and to make the best of themselves. He worked hard to achieve this goal, even as his health would fail him. He kept his smile and sense of humor, and his love for family and Macon up until his final days. On September 3, 2018 Clarence Poindexter peacefully surrender to God’s call to come home, where he reunite with family and friends who had gone on before him. They include his parents, his beloved Juanita, sisters Wilda and Betty and brother James.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of loving other his children Kent, Rhonda, Anitra Walls (Anthony) and Tiffany; one grandadugther, Jada; seven grandsons (Edward, Keypn, Dasmon, Justin, Jay, Jeffrey and Charles), 14 great grandchildren and a host of cousins (two who loved him like a big brother – Aldine Packer and Annette Brewer), nieces, nephews and friends.