Cleon Currie

Born in Mebane, NC on November 5, 1946 to Mary Louis Currie, Cleon came into the world a serious steadfast soul.  Cleon’s Mother and Grandmother were there to guide him and although they were of modest means, scholarships and working hard in the tobacco fields allowed him to apply for colleges.

He was in the last graduating class of Central High School in 1965, which was also the last segregated class.  At Central High School, Cleon was inducted into the National Honor Society, had an attendance award, and graduated in the top 10 of his high school class.  After graduation it was with much pride that Cleon was accepted to A&T State University where he graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education.  This is where he became of a member of Kappa Delta Pi, a fraternity in support of educators.

Cleon and his brother, Hubert share the same birth date 11/5. Both brothers share the same alma mater, Aggie Pride.  The brothers graduated from A &T State University with honors.  What an amazing legacy for their children. We will never forget.

After his time at A&T, Cleon’s love for music and education took him to Rutgers University where he graduated in 1971 with a Masters of Education.   Music was one of his lifelong loves.  Just like his favorite musical genre, jazz, Cleon was smooth with a melody all his own.

His first marriage brought him two beautiful daughters, Clea and Zil-Irisa also known as Clecy and ZillyPoo!  He also was a father to Sabrina Parker also known as Buffy.

When he married Janice Blethen, he gained two more daughters, Tracy and Christen, who he treated like his own.  When Tracy had children, Cleon was honored to be asked to be their Godfather, and he took that role to heart.

As also a brother in law to Jan’s sister Sue Rich Kovaleski (Peter – deceased), Cleon was there in the good times and the bad.  When Sue’s husband passed, Cleon helped to guide and mentor her children Travis (deceased) and Katherine.

Everything he did, he did with heart...a servant’s heart that was made of gold.  He was affiliated with the Greater Canaan Baptist Church for many years and served there with pride.  This is the church that his sister, Pecolia and his cousin JT still attend.   Currently JT is the deacon of Greater Canaan Baptist Church which has been a source of pride and strength.

He and Jan attended Lamb’s Chapel for the last eight years.  He also was affiliated with the Currie Lake Healing Ministries.  The people he met from this Ministry were by his side faithfully praying for him, with him and over him.

As his battle got more intense, Cleon and his family were grateful for Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, Judy Butler of The Guardians Gift, and  Lowe’s Funeral Home for their help and support during one of the most difficult times.

Cleon was a very private man who kept his diagnosis to himself as not to worry or concern others.  He prayed for healing and he also prayed for God’s will.  He has now moved to his heavenly home to be with his Father forever.