Clifton Goodloe Jr.
The life and legacy of Pastor Emeritus, Elder Clifton Goodloe Jr. were honored during a heartfelt Celebration of Life Memorial Service on March 14, 2025, at Greater Damascus COCHUSA (GDC), following his transition in the early morning of March 8, 2025, at his home in Canton.
A distinguished motorcade – comprised of state, county, and city law enforcement – escorted Elder Goodloe’s body to its final return to the City of Hazlehurst and Greater Damascus Church. Upon arrival, he was reposed for public viewing before the memorial service.
The procession into the memorial service was led by members of the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance, followed by his devoted wife, Sis. Delores Goodloe; children, Melba G. Beasley (Stan Sr.), Lori G. Greer (John), Marcus Goodloe Sr. (Erika), District Chairman, Elder Bertram Goodloe Sr. (Annette), Henry Earl Goodloe (Kimberly), and District Chairman, Elder Clifton Goodloe III (Chantel); his last surviving sibling, Mildred Benton, of Englewood, Calif.; and other family members.
The service commemorated Elder Goodloe’s profound impact through 25 years of ministry at Greater Damascus Church and his unwavering dedication to the Hazlehurst community.
The evening featured musical selections from the GDC Youth Choir, reflections from many, including Deacon George Harris Sr., proclamations in his honor delivered by Mississippi State Rep. Gregory Holloway, Mayor Kenneth Ramsey, and various church auxiliaries.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Bishop Dale Cudjoe, of Gary, Ind., senior bishop of the Church of Christ (Holiness) USA; Bishop Emory Lindsay, of Chicago, Ill., retired senior bishop; Bishop Joseph R. Campbell, of Jackson, retired presiding prelate, South Central Diocese and Elder James Harper of Los Angeles, California, Chairman of the National Council of District Chairmen. The service concluded with uplifting words of comfort from Bishop Dr. Glake Hill Jr., of Jackson, presiding prelate of the South Central Diocese, Church of Christ (Holiness) USA.
The Greater Damascus Church family, along with the Copiah County /Hazlehurst communities, came together in love and unity to honor and celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Elder Clifton Goodloe Jr. May his legacy live on in the lives of those he touched.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (II Timothy 4:7-8).
