 |
|
 |
||||
  |
||||||
|
|
||||||
 |
 |
MSBC Media PlayerMedia Center
MSBCOC | In Remembrance
Trustee Clifton Wainwright
April 3, 1918 - June 28, 1996
Clifton
McAwee Wainwright was born in White Haven, Maryland on April 3, 1918. He and his
twin brother, Thomas, were the fifth and sixth of thirteen children born to
Stephen C. and Martha Wainwright. Clifton attended school in White Haven until
1933 when the family moved to Baltimore. Clifton's mother had attended Morning
Star Baptist Church early in life and renewed her membership upon returning to
Baltimore. Clifton joined the church in 1934, under the pastorate of Reverend
Dr. George Jacob Garnett. Subsequently, Clifton attended and eventually was
graduated from Douglass High School.
Following his father's death, in 1939, Clifton assumed responsibility for helping to support his mother and younger siblings. This commitment prompted him to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1941.
Upon his discharge from the military, in 1945, Mr. Wainwright married Juanita Shands and took up residence in New York City. While there he studied at the American Academy of Embalming and Mortuary Research. Following graduation, in 1951, Mr. Wainwright and his wife returned to Baltimore and he became employed with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. Simultaneously, he served an apprenticeship under Joseph L. Russ, Funeral Director. Mr. Wainwright's relationship with his mentor, Mr. Russ, led to the establishment of the Wainwright Funeral Home in the early 1970's and membership in the Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Maryland.
After his retirement, in 1985, Mr. Wainwright devoted his time to his business, his family, the church and his Masonic affiliations. Under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Samuel Ray, Mr. Wainwright became one of Morning Star Baptist Church's trustees. He was serious about his responsibilities for the church's finances and the upkeep of the physical building. He had only to become aware of something the church needed, whether it be a fundraising effort or an individual contribution, to spring into action. Trustee Wainwright was a cheerful giver, never seeking recognition or return on his investment of time or money. Because of his love of God and commitment to his church, Trustee Wainwright also maintained membership in the Building Fund Commission. He delighted in the annual program during which the male raising the most money for the building fund was crowned as king. It was not only the spirit of competition in which Trustee Wainwright delighted but also the knowledge that funds were being raised for the maintenance of God's house.
The Word tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. Trustee Wainwright was such a person and we pause this month to remember him.
to top of page
|
