Memphis, Tn, January 30, 2026
A Life Well-Lived: Clarence Somerville Remembered at 98
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Clarence William Somerville, a longtime Memphis resident and Navy veteran, passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2026, at the age of 98.
- Clarence Somerville was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1928 and lived a full life spanning nearly a century.
- He served in the navy aboard the USS Oregon following his graduation from Booker T. Washington High School.
- Mr. Somerville dedicated over three decades to the U.S. Postal Service,retiring as a supervisor.
- He shared 73 years of marriage with his beloved wife,Jean Evelyn Jones Somerville.
Clarence William Somerville,affectionately known as “Shorty,” “Knuck,” “Bae Brother,” and “Moo,” was born January 7th,1928,in Memphis,tennessee,to Francis and James Somerville. Raised alongside his siblings, Olivia and James, on Mississippi and Wellington streets, his early life was deeply rooted in the community surrounding Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, were his father served as one of the first Trustees. He embraced faith at the age of 10 within those very walls.
From Football Fields to the High Seas
Somerville excelled as a football player at Booker T. Washington High School, graduating in 1946 before enlisting in the Navy with his brother.Their service took them aboard the USS Oregon, and upon his return to memphis, he continued his education at lemoyne Owen College, proudly contributing to the “Mad Magician” football team.
What was Clarence Somerville’s career with the U.S. Postal Service like? Clarence Somerville dedicated over 30 years to the U.S. Postal Service, beginning as a mail Handler and Clerk, then taking on the unique role of Special Assignment Mail – delivering mail by train – before ultimately retiring as a Supervisor at the Memphis Buck Mail Center.
A Family Man and Community Pillar
In 1952, clarence met the love of his life, Jean Evelyn Jones, while she was on her way to choir rehearsal. They married on November 8th of that same year and built a family together, welcoming children barry, Donna, and Terri. The Somerville family resided for many years in the Holiday Heights subdivision, where they were known for their hospitality and lively gatherings.
Beyond his professional and familial commitments, Clarence enjoyed a rich personal life filled with fishing, hunting with family, and golfing with friends Ed Lewis and Jimmy Fields at Pine Hill Golf Course. He was known for his quick wit and infectious laughter.
A Legacy of Love and Faith
Clarence William Somerville passed away on January 21st, 2026, after 98 years and 2 weeks of life. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, Barry (Barbara), Donna (Keith), and Terri (Cedric); grandchildren Melanie, Barry (Janae), Marquisha (Howard), Keith Jr, Jazmin, and Ciara; great-grandchildren Cameron, Precious, Gianna, Keylah, Kayla, Keith III, Ava, and sydney; and his sister, jeraldine Bobo, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and adopted grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a festivity of life service at Mt.Veronica Westwood, located at 620 Parkrose Rd. Interment will follow at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
Clarence William Somerville will be remembered as a noble man who exemplified how to live a full life and face death with grace, embodying the sentiment of II Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
