Clifton Henry Hobbs Sr.

Clifton Henry Hobbs, Sr. was born on September 3, 1937 to the union of Willie Henry and Annie Mae (Norsworthy) Hobbs in Winona, Mississippi. He was the oldest of nine children, James, Doris, Newton, Herman, Mary Ann, Albert, Alberta and Altha. The Hobbs Family relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1942, when Clifton was only 5 years old. Clifton received his education through the Chicago public school system. He attended and graduated from Douglas Elementary School. He went on to attend Dunbar Vocational High School, where he took up the trade of printing, which later became his life long career. In 1958, he graduated from Dunbar with honors as a printer. He went on to further his education at Chicago Teacher College where he graduated in 1960. While still in high school, Clifton united in marriage with Isibell Booze, and to this union two children were born, Annie Ruth and Clifton Jr. He later met and united in marriage with Willie Mae Carpenter in 1967, and to this union six children were born, Willie "Buster", Edora, Carmerlina, Frank, Correlia and Effrin. Clifton began his working career as a printer for John Sedwich Printing Company from 1958-1965 and at J. E. Bell Menu Company from 1963-1975 as a professional typesetter, offset pressman and composer. He also worked for Darwill Printing Company from 1965-1975. It was after Clifton left Darwill Printing Company that he started his own business, buying all the machines, ink, typeset and paper he needed to be the successful printer he had become. Clif knew a lot of people, one of his best friends and co-workers was John Epps, who was also a printer. John taught Clif about different printing techniques and machines. He knew Jack Frank where he got his material from and was well acquainted with other companies like IPC Royal. Clifton literally went from business to business building up his clientel. Everyone who knew Clifton knew he was a funny man who loved to crack jokes and make you laugh. When he was not working, he loved to spend time with his friends. He often sat on the back on a hot summer day under the shade from the tree talking with his friends like, Mr. Pratt, Joe "Joe Joe from CoCoMo" and Ed Dixon "Slick". He highly spoke of two of his really good friends Brady Butler, who was his best friend and a great friend and Papa George, who was also a very good friend. Other good friends were, Bobby Arrington, "Pretty" Bill, Charlie Singleton, Willie "Bobby" Robinson, David Williams and Mary Baldwin, just to name a few. Clifton loved his children very much, he knew all their ways and personalities. He adored his mother who he often visited and spoke to on the phone. His wife for nearly 45 years whom he truly loved, Willie Mae, who has been a source of support and comfort for Clifton, especially toward the end of his life. These are some of the wonderful things we will miss about Clifton.. On June 13, 2012, Clifton fell asleep in death. He was preceded in death by two siblings, James and Newton; and one son, Willie. Clifton leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Willie Mae Hobbs; seven children, Annie Ruth (Thomas), Clifton Jr. (Nancy), Edora, Carmerlina (Fritz), Frank, Correlia (Gardell) and Effrin; his mother, Annie Mae Thompson; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; six brothers and sisters; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Tributes

Clifton Henry Hobbs Sr.

September 3, 1937 - June 13, 2012