Read Rev. Dr. Clarence W. Bauknight Jr.'s Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Rev. Dr. Clarence W. Bauknight Jr.

Linden, NJ, USA

August 25, 1923 - November 27, 2018

Aug 25, 1923 - Nov 27, 2018

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Reverend Dr. Clarence W. Bauknight, Jr. was born in Cranford, New Jersey on August 25, 1923, to parents: Clarence W. Bauknight Sr. and Sallie Belle Griffin. After spending his formative years in Cranford and Bloomfield New Jersey, his father moved his family to Wilkes-Barre, PA (WB) following his job. The first grandson of Elizabeth Bottoms Griffin, creator of the first black school for children in South Carolina, he was taught the value of education. Like many at the time, Rev. Bauknight made a commitment to serving his country before pursuing his academic and professional career. Upon graduating from Elmer L. Meyers High School, WB, he enlisted in the Air Force during World War II. However, prior to his deployment, he would have the fortune of meeting his future wife of 72 years, Bernice Griffen whom he met at an AME church picnic in WB.

Rev. Bauknight served his country in the 423rd Army Air Force Unit from 1944-1946 and returned with a commendation medal for good conduct. Upon his return, he would marry the love of his life, Bernice, on August 31, 1946.

The importance of education instilled in Rev. Bauknight by his mother, at an early age would lead him back to school where he attended Kings College in WB receiving a BS in biology with a minor in chemistry. In 1953, he graduated from Syracuse University with a master’s degree in microbiology and unwittingly began what would become a multi-generational legacy leading his children, a niece and many of his grandchildren to graduate from Syracuse and other prestigious universities with a litany of undergraduate and advanced degrees.

After getting a job at P. Ballantine & Sons (Ballantine), Rev. Bauknight moved his family to Cranford, New Jersey before ultimately moving to Linden, NJ. He worked for Ballantine from 1954-1969 where he broke down many barriers by being one of the few blacks employed at the company in his capacity. In 1961, he was promoted to Quality Control Manager. In 1966, his stellar performance garnered him recognition in the form of a feature in Ebony magazine as one of the most influential black scientists in his field.

While in Linden, Clarence co-founded the 4th Ward Democratic Club where he held many offices. Realizing that representation for blacks in Linden was absent, in 1960, he threw his hat in the ring. Clarence ran for 4th Ward Councilman, becoming the first black candidate to run for political office in town. His trail-blazing campaign opened the door for the successful election of a black councilman for the 4th Ward in Linden a few years later.

In addition to his full time job at Ballantine, for many years, Rev. Bauknight maintained several part time jobs working nights and weekends at the Fred Allen Real Estate Agency and Dave’s Foodland Supermarket. His work at Dave’s Foodland Supermarket ultimately led him to purchase the store in 1969. Once again showing his trail-blazing and entrepreneurial spirit, he was the only black person to own and operate a 20,000 square foot store, in Union County. In 1974, Rev. Bauknight transitioned back to a position using his scientific training, as the first black head of the laboratory at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. At the hospital, he was responsible for a staff of 60 people and a budget of 2.5 million dollars.

Contemporaneously, Clarence served as the president of the credit union, and was a member of both the American Chemical Society and Society of American Bacteriologists. Impressively, while maintaining all his other duties and responsibilities at the hospital, he earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1979.

After leaving St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Clarence held many different sale positions until he ultimately ran his own sales business under the umbrella of Success Motivation Institute. There he earned several accolades and awards including being a member of the million dollar sales club. After much success in sales he heard the calling to become a minister and earned his Ph.D. from seminary school. Thereafter, he was associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Linden and then moved to Friendship Baptist Church in Rahway serving in the same capacity.

Above all of Reverend Dr. Clarence Bauknight’s professional and academic achievements is the legacy of success and education that serves as an example to his family. The lasting influences of Rev. Bauknight’s academic, professional, and political successes can be seen in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Rev. Bauknight’s children all furthered their education and obtained advanced degrees as well as all of his grandchildren. Rev. Bauknight is predeceased by his parents and three siblings: Elizabeth Franklin, Paul D. Bauknight, Sr., and Isaiah J. Bauknight. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bernice Griffen-Bauknight, his children and their spouses: Clarence W. Bauknight, III Esq., (Skip) and Toni, Bernice M. Bauknight- Jalloh, Esq., (Tina) and Abdulai, Phillip E. Bauknight, Esq., Shelley G. Bauknight-Cherry and David.

He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses: April Bauknight, Mohamed Jalloh and Maria, Leslie Nixon and Rob, Abubakar Jalloh and Anita, Phillip C. Bauknight and Melissa, Hawa Bonds and Marquis, Jasmine Bauknight, Tiana Cherry Piga and Joe, Shelley Davis and Jamar, David Cherry and Kyra, Wesley Cherry and Hassatu Jalloh Bah and Abdul.
Clarence was also blessed to have known his great-grandchildren: Alexis Shearin, Miguel Jalloh, Ariana and Ariel Jalloh, Sienna Bauknight, Milani and Trey Washington, and Marquis Bonds Jr., Juliana and Leilani Piga, Jeremiah, Sasha and Jeremy Davis, and Amadu, Mariama, Muhammad and Abdulai Bah. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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