CLIFFORD CLEMENT YEARWOOD was born in 1934 - Colon, Panama to Beatrice Minto and Edward Yearwood. He was the youngest of five children, Iris, Franklin, Hubert and Myrtle; all of whom predeceased him.

Clifford was raised in Colon and lived near The Salvation Army Hall. At the age of 15, he was attracted to the Salvation Army’s meetings by the Brass Band. On November 29, 1949, he made the decision to accept Christ as his savior. He later ran home to show his mother his decision slip. Encouraged by Good Salvationists in the corps, and under the leadership of Brigadier Moonsawmy, Clifford became a soldier and a bandsman. He played the cornet and later the tuba.

He met and married Edna Gordon in 1961. From this union two children were born, David who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Jamaica followed by Patricia in Panama.

The Yearwoods’ first appointment was as assistant managers of the Men’s Hostel with responsibility for the men and women’s night shelter pro-tem in 1964. Following that appointment they were sent to the Antigua region in 1964 for 6 months. In December 1964, Captain Clifford and his wife were appointed to the Panama Temple Corps where they served for 8 1⁄2 years. In 1973, following the ground breaking for the construction of a new building, they were moved to Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent & Grenada Division. CaptainYearwoodwasappointedsimultaneouslyasDivisionalSecretary,Divisional Youth Secretary, and Manager of the Mens’ Hostel. Captain Yearwood served in this appointment for 2 years and was promoted to the rank of Major in 1975.

In 1975, Major Yearwood was appointed as Regional Commander of the Western Jamaica Division with the responsibility of the Montego Bay Temple Corps. Majors Yearwood saw the completion of the construction of the Corps building, commenced 2 pre-schools with over 300 children, and started a soup kitchen. The rapid growth of the work led to its elevation from regional to divisional status in 1979. Among the accomplishments was a meeting with the Prime Minister. The result of this meeting was the donation of $100,000 to the Salvation Army for the completion of the working lad’s Hostel. Another result of the Yearwood visitation ministry was a donor contributing 377 acres of land with oil rights to the Salvation Army.

In 1983, Major Yearwood was appointed as Divisional Commanders for the eastern Jamaica Division. In 1984, a call came for Panamanian officers to volunteer to help rebuild the work in Panama. Majors Yearwood were told that they were not expected to return because they were Divisional Leaders. However, Majors Yearwood felt God’s leading to return, and did so in 1984. While serving at Panama Temple they saw the revitalization of the work, began a pre-school/day care and started a feeding program.

In 1988, Majors Yearwood were transferred to the Boston (Roxbury) Corps, USA. They remained in this Corps for almost 7 years. In June 1995, the Yearwoods were appointed pro-tem to Massachusetts Divisional Headquarters with responsibility at Hillcrest Lodge and Conference Center.

In September 1995, Majors Yearwood were appointed to the Harlem Temple Corps. Majors Yearwood remained in this corps until they retired from service in September 1999. However, they remained at the Corps until 2/2000 doing

post-retirement service.

In 2/2000, Majors Yearwood relocated to Boston, MA and attended the Boston Roxbury Corps. Major Yearwood was actively involved in various programs within the Corps. Major Cliff became the chaplain for a program at the Cambridge Corps. He also became the chaplain for the Roxbury Senior Program.

Major Clifford enjoyed reading the Bible and established a large collection of Bibles, Biblical commentaries and Christian books. He enjoyed writing scripture verses out and handing them out to people to encourage them. At McDonald’s he would write the scriptures on napkins and hand them out. This is where he started the “Table Top Ministry” at the McDonald’s on American Legion Highway in Dorchester, and the McDonald’s in Hyde Park.

Major Clifford loved music and played the tuba in the Salvation Army Band for many years. He also loved to sing and was an active participant in various male ensembles and songster brigades.

Major Clifford enjoyed bell-ringing during the Christmas season, and looked forward to volunteering for bell-ringing as long as he could. He was a top performer and was known to sing and ring up to 7 bells to music with flair.

He was a people person and was known for his warmth, friendliness, generosity, sense of humor and infectious laughter. He was the family’s comedian. Major Clifford loved the Lord with all his heart and was always ready to witness wherever he went. He was known to praise the Lord with exuberance. His favorite praise was “Hallelujah!” which led some people to give him the nickname “Hallelujah” or “Glory Man”.

During his formative years Major Clifford enjoyed going to the beach and was a good swimmer. He was an avid ping pong and domino player. Later in life he liked to do crossword puzzles. He developed a keen interest in emerging technology and learnt how to use various devices and apps. He was even on Facebook. He enjoyed watching sports and TV game shows of which his favorite was the Steve Harvey Show.

Major Clifford was a foodie and his favorite dishes were red peas stew with pigtails and peppery fried lobster.

Over his lifetime he has blessed hundreds of babies, and done many weddings and funerals. He has sent candidates from Panama, Jamaica and USA to the Salvation Army School For Officer Training.

Major Clifford had the opportunity to attend the International College For Officers twice. First in the General Session in 1967 and second to the Divisional Commanders Session in 1980. Major Clifford was notably involved in a number of disaster relief efforts including Nicaragua in the 1960’s and the floods in western Jamaica in 1979 for which he was awarded a Certificate of Honor by the Prime Minister of Jamaica and the Governor General of Jamaica. He was involved in community based service organizations including the Rotary Club, Jamaica and Trinidad, as well as the Kiwanis Club, USA.

He is survived by his wife, Major Edna; daughter, Patricia; several cousins; and countless nieces and nephews. We thank God for his life well lived in service to others. Hallelujah!!

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