Obituary of Clarence E. Givens

Clarence Charles Earl Givens was born on January 22, 1926 to the late James Givens and Ader Jeanette Nash – Givens in Evington, Virginia. He peacefully entered the gates of heaven on the evening of February 18, 2021 at the Illinois Veterans Home – Manteno. Clarence accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Evington, Virginia. Clarence was educated in the Virginia Public School system where he attended elementary and secondary school. Before graduating he joined the United States Army and fought for his country in World War II. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army as a dedicated soldier, he moved to the Chicagoland area where he became a member of Great Hope MB Church in Robbins. He then moved on to his second career as machine operator at Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company (a division of Flavor Kist) where he worked for 35 years making saltine crackers, butter cookies, and the first chocolate-covered chewy granola bars. On May 10, 1990 Schulze and Burch Biscuit Company presented Clarence with an award in appreciation of his loyalty efforts and dedication. After his retirement from Schulze & Burch, he worked part-time at Modern Way cleaners in Midlothian, IL for several years. Clarence met the love of his life and soul mate W. Nell (Williams) Givens at Great Hope MB. They married and to this union one son was born, Andrew Terry Givens. Clarence became a dedicated member and trustee and served on numerous committees and performed various duties. He would often say that he wasn’t a great singer, but he always looked forward to singing with the Men’s Choir on Men’s Day. He was very committed to mission work until the day his health started failing. Clarence was a devoted husband and father and was a caring, kind person who was always lending a hand to a neighbor, co-worker or anyone who needed help. Clarence was involved in several organizations: A founding member of Robbins Public Library, Den Leader for Boys Scouts #788 at St. Benedict School, a member of Marist High School Father’s Club, and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) Volunteer, among others. In 2016 Clarence was selected to be a member of the Honor Flight, where WWII and other veterans were flown to D.C. to honor, thank and inspire them by building awareness and appreciation of the debt of gratitude America owes its veterans for their service and sacrifice to our nation. Clarence said, “I shook more hands that day than I have in my entire life”. Clarence leaves his fond and loving memories; wife of 62 years, Nell, son, Andrew Terry, (Mary) Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Andy (Danyale), San Diego, CA, Mariah, Overland Park, KS and Kobe, Stamford, CT; three great granddaughters; Desirae, Anastacia and Felicity; brother, Burnett, Fairmount Heights, MD; sister-in-law, Betty, Silver Spring, MD; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends and the Great Hope Church family. Clarence was preceded in death by his eleven siblings; sisters; Ethel, Ader Jean, Sarah, Virginia, Ruby May, Gaynell and brothers; George, Rufus, Peroneau, Eugene, and John. Clarence will be greatly missed by all. Visitation for Clarence will be held Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Krueger Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at Great Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 13617 S. Lawndale Ave., Robbins, IL. Clarence will lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Washington Memory Gardens in Homewoood. Below is the information to Live Stream Mr. Givens' service on Friday at Great Hope Missionary Church. Viewing 10am-11am, Service beginning at 11am followed by burial at Washington Memory Gardens in Homewood, IL. https://m.facebook.com/BullittPrintSolutions You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the service just scroll down to see Clarence C.E. Givens and click on the video at the time of the service. Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, all precautions must be adhered to and will be enforced. All visitors must have facial coverings and follow social distancing standards of 6 feet. The number of visitors will be limited to fifty (50) and monitored, it is requested that you refrain from physical contact. Out of courtesy to all who wish to pay their respects, please keep your time in the chapel brief. Thank you for your understanding, as we all work together during these unsettled times.