Mr. Clarence "Deke" Mustipher

ADAMS announced the passing of Mr. Clarence Mustipher, 83, who transitioned on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at his residence. 

A celebration of life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. James AME Church located 632 East Broad St. in Savannah, Georgia Rev., Anthony Scott Pastor.

Viewing will be held from 12 PM to 2 PM Friday, March 1, 2024 at the funeral home.

Burial: Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery.

Obituary:

Clarence “Deke” Mustipher was born October 8, 1940, to the parents of the late Mr. Mike and the late Mrs. Geneva Mustipher, in Savannah Georgia.  “Deke” was the second oldest of seven children, three preceded him in death, Mr. Lloyd Smalls, Mrs. Annie Mae Mustipher Martin and, Mr. Henry Mustipher.  He joined Flipper Chapel A. M. E. at an early age, where he sang in the choir and attended Sunday School regularly.  

Clarence was a star athlete at Alfred Ely Beach High School, lettering in track and field.  Clarence took 2^nd and 3^rd places of honor in the City Region State Class AA Track and Field.  His events included the high jump, 440 relay, 220 dash and mile relay.  This talented track star won first place at Savannah State, Fort Valley, and Tuskegee as first leg in the mile relay.  He won top honors in Orangeburg, South Carolina, in the Wilkerson relays in the city, region and State Champion Class AA.  Deke ran the 120-yard-high hurdle in 1957 with a time of 14.4 seconds.  During his senior year at Beach, he was named to the All-City Track Team.  Clarence was inducted in 2014 Beach High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Clarence was joined in matrimony to the late Mrs. Bernice Price Mustipher in 1960.  He was the father of eight children, two preceded him in death, Mr. Clarence Michael Mustipher and Mrs. Almetha Mustipher Reedy.

Clarence sang with the E. Larry McDuffie and the Savannah Community Choir during the late sixties.  One of his favorite hymns he loved singing was, “Shine on me, let the light from the lighthouse, “shine on me!”

Clarence worked at National Tailor as a Master National Seamstress and a re-known Tailor.  He was employed at Standard Distributing Company, GAF, American Cyamin and was a retired Long Shoreman. 

Clarence joined St. James A.M.E. Church and served as an Usher, Vice President of the B. S. Hannah Male Choir, The Sons of Allen and a faithful tithe and offering member.  Clarence loved his church, even in his illness, he was yet a dedicated and loyal member to his church and he attended regularly until his health continued to decline.

God in his infinity wisdom, called Mr. Clarence “Deke” Mustipher home to his eternal resting place on Saturday, February 24, 2024.  In the presence of his faithful and devoted daughter whom he lived with,  at his side, “Deke” as he is affectionately known and will always be remembered, took his flight.

Mr. Clarence “Deke” Mustipher leaves to cherish his memories with his loving and devoted daughter whom he resided with, Dr. Lekita D. Harvey (his caregiver), and siblings: Ms. Andrea Mustipher, Mr. Darrlyn Mustipher, Anselm Mustipher, Ms. Youlanda Mustipher and Mr. Anthony Washington, all of Savannah, GA; one brother, Mr. Robert Smalls (Charlesetta) of Savannah GA; three sisters: Mrs. Katie Newton (Al), Ms. Elaine Franklin, both of Savannah GA, and Ms. Barbara Holmes of Bridgeton, N.J.; Son-n-Love, Pastor Rodney Reedy, of Brunswick GA; Brothers and Sisters-n-Love, Mr. David Price, Flint, MI, Ms. Ernestine Richardson, Miami, FL, Mrs. Betty Jean Phoenix, Bishop Raymond Price, Sr. and Ms. Alfredia Price, all of Savannah GA.; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.