Clemell Edmonds

Clemell Edmonds, age 94, of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 16.

Born on November 19, 1931, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Clemell was the son of Alex Edmonds and Aza Lee Durham-Edmonds. He received his early education in the Brinkley Public Schools and graduated from Marian Anderson High School in Brinkley in 1953. Clemell continued his education at Dunbar Junior College for two years, and he pursued a variety of technical studies at Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute in Forrest City, earning certificates in programs such as IET, Machine Shop, Auto Body Mechanic, Child Care, Electronics, Computer Repair, Networks, Business Technology, ABR, Carpentry, Drafting, and Residential HVAC.

Clemell accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Cotton Plant. After the merger of New Home MB Church and Mount Pleasant MB Church, he continued his spiritual journey at the newly formed New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member for 70 years. Throughout his service, Clemell held various important roles, including trustee, church clerk, usher, treasurer, and most recently, President of the Deacons Board at the time of his passing.

From 1953 to 1956, Clemell proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

A resolute farmer throughout his life, Clemell worked the land until he retired at the age of 80. In addition to farming, he contributed to the community as a school bus driver for Crowley's Ridge for more than 15 years before retiring from that role as well.

On May 16, 1987, Clemell was united in holy matrimony to Lillie Ruth Johnson. He was preceded in death by his children, Arnold Calhoun, and Stephon Calhoun; his parents, Alex and Aza Lee Edmonds; and his siblings, Robert Edmonds and Alice Dereatha Esters.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lillie Ruth Edmonds of Cotton Plant, AR; sons, Leonard Nelson of West Chicago, IL, Brad Cade of Scott, AR, and Chrstopher Edmonds of Cotton Plant, AR; bonus children, Edward Randle of Brinkley, AR, Angela Randle of Orlando, FL, and Dwight (Patricia) Shelton of Brinkley, AR; four grandchildren; brothers, Alex (Mary) Neal of Detroit, MI, and Larry Purdiman of Little Rock, AR; sisters, Dannese Flennoy of Aurora, IL, and Elain (Joe) Jackson of Little Rock, AR; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other cherished family members and friends.

A celebration of Clemell' s life will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 AM at Mount Olive Ministries, located at 1200 N. Main Extended Street in Brinkley. Pastor Emmanuel Cornelious will serve as the eulogist. Interment will follow at Ash Grove Cemetery in Cotton Plant. Arrangements are entrusted to C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 and Stuttgart (870) 672-7100. For information, email: williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gamil.com or visit www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Lawrence Taylor, Brad Cade II, Brad Cade Sr., Leonard Nelson, Ken Lowe Sr., and Jimmie Harper.