Clarence "Clellon" Forte

Clarence "Clellon" Forte was born June 24, 1930 in Wake Forest, NC to the late Asbury Forte and Elizabeth Jones Forte.

Born to strong Christian parents, Clarence accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age. He continued a personal relationship with the Lord throughout his life. He departed this eathly life on December 8, 2020 at his home in Raleigh, NC.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by two children: daughter, Wylanda Forte of Queens, NY and son, Clarence Steven Forte of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter, Minikki L. Miles of Fayetteville, NC; sisters Sarah Dunn, Argie Moss and Alberta Jones all of Wake Forest, NC; brothers Wilbert Forte, Asbury Forte II and Clyde Forte all of Wake Forest, NC.

Clarence received his formative education in the Wake Forest School System. After graduating from W.E.B. DuBois High School, he enlisted in the United States Army (during the Korean War.) After completing his tour of duty, he returned to North Carolina and started a work career in hospital services. He worked for both the Veterans Hospital and Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. He was an orderly on the team that performed the first open heart surgery at Duke University Hosptial.

In 1969, Clarence was hired at Saint Augustine's College known today as Saint Augustine's University. He enrolled as a student while working full time and in May 1976, he earned the Bachelor of Science Degree. One of his most memorable accomplishments was walking down the graduation aisle alongside of his daughter Yvette.

Clarence continued his employment at Saint Augustine's College in Student Services, working in various positions. He embodied the spirit of "no student left behind". His main focus was students completing their education. One of his many loves was sports. He coached baseball and women's basketball at Saint Augustine's College. He received many trophies and accolades recognizing his dedicated and devote services to the game he loved which also included a Women's Basketball National CIAA Conference Tournament Championship.

After retirement from Saint Augustine's College, Clarence volunteered his time and talents to his High School Alma Mater, the National Dubois Alumni Association. During this tenure, he was recognized for his services to the community. He was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award for two consecutive years along with the Citizenship Award for leadership in spearheading the acquisition of the Dubois property.

Clarence was affectionately known as "Dean" and "Forte". He loved to tell jokes, was the life of the party and could always make you laugh. He was a mentor, a friend and a counselor to students. He enjoyed traveling, sports and always had an encouraging word.

In 1980, Clarence met and married the love of his life, Christine Forte of the home. In addition to Christine, he leaves cherished memories to sons: Kenneth Forte of Queens, NY, Neal Clark (deceased Jan. 2021) (Lisa), Charles C. Forte of Charlotte, NC; daughters: Lois McKoy of Fayetteville, NC, Calethia Jenkins (David) of Garner, NC and Rosita Forte-Dobson (Robert) of Hartford, Ct; sisters: Pidie Green, Mable Jones (CleHenry), Evangeline Lucas (Albert) and Jocelyn Glenn all of Wake Forest, NC; one aunt: Elsie Daye of Wake Forest, NC and a host of grandchildren, great - grandchildren, neices , nephews and cousins, in-laws and friends.

A memorial service will be held June 26, 2021 at 12:00 noon with visitation from 11:00a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Saint Augustine's University Chapel 1315 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27610

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED to MERCEDES' FUNERAL MANSION OF Williamston, North Carolina.