Tribute

To our beloved Clarence Frieson, Jr.:
Any words that we could write or speak can not be heard by you.  You have lived your life well — you have preached your funeral. Therefore, the words that follow are words of strength, comfort, and power, that we have shared together, and that we who are living can focus on through these difficult times. 

Through The Storm

The storms of life will blow
They're sure to come and go
They meet me all at a time when I'm calm and doing fine
But the Captain of my soul, He's always on board
He rocks me in His arms, while riding through the storm

While riding through the storm, Jesus holds me in His arms
I am not afraid of the stormy winds and the waves
Though the tides become high, He holds me while I ride
I found safety in His arms, while riding through the storm

I have no fear of the raging seas, knowing Jesus is there with me
He can speak to the wind and the waves and make them behave
All power's in His hands, on sea or dry land
I found safety in the Master's arms, while riding through the storm

While riding through the storm, Jesus holds me in His arms
No, I'm not afraid of the stormy wind and the waves
Though the tides become high, He holds me while I ride
I find safety in the Master's arms, while riding through the storm

While riding through the, the storm
While I'm riding through the, the storm
Yeah, while I'm riding through the storm
Jesus holds me in His arms
While I'm riding through the storm
Let the winds blow
I don't care, I'm riding through the storm with Jesus
Let the rains fall down

I'm riding through the storm with Jesus
Jesus is the captain of my soul, yes, yes, yes
He is Jesus, Jesus Is — the Captain of my, my, my soul
I love Him, I love Him, I love Him
I love Him, yes, yes, yes

Here lies before us, a kind "gentle man" , with a sweet, free spirit, who was many things to many people...  husband, father, son, grandson, brother, friend.

CLARENCE FRIESON, JR. was born to the parentage of (the former Mr. and Mrs.) Clarence Frieson, Sr., and Betty Lousie (Morton) Frieson, on September 24, 1949 in Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.

At an early age, he confessed Christ and joined the Baptist Grove Church in Columbus, Mississippi; later he joined he joined the Saint Paul Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

He grew up and attended the public schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, graduating from Druid HIgh School on May 28, 1968.

On August 1, 1969, Clarence enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served admirably during the Vietnam Conflict; and was honorably discharged in May of 1975.  Follodwing his exit from military life, he sought to better himself by attending Shelton State Technical College, and Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

In June of 1975, he met Charlotte A. Clark.  On July 30, 1977, after a delightful courtship of two years, they were married.  God blessed this union with two lovely children.

Clarence andhis family then united with the New Zion Missionary Bpatist Church, Northport, Alabama, where he remained a faithful member until 1987, when he was received into the family of the Bethel United Methodist Church, Roanoke, Alabama.  There he worshipped and served until his homegoing.  Clarence served Bethel as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, Choir, and other areas of service.

Above and beyond his church involvements, Clarence was a community-oriented man, who took interest in civic affairs by becoming a member of the Western Lodge #538, Prince Hall Masons, serving on the Executive Board of the Randolph County Branch, N.A.A.C.P. and, by accepting an appointment to the City Of Roanoke Utilities Board.

Clarence was indeed acquainted with hard work.  He gave eighteen years of service to the Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire Company in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  After re-locating to Randolph County, he joined his wife i the family firm, Clark Memorial Funeral Service, where he rendered four years of untiring service as an Apprentice Funeral Director, and Assistant Manager.  Just two days prior to his sudden departure, he had met the requirements for licensure as a Funeral Director by passing the Alabama Board of Funeral Service State Examination for Funeral Directing.  He was also a loyal employee of the Advance Security Company based in Atlanta, Georgia, Terminal Building Supplies, Anniston-Gadsden, Alabama; and was a recent employee at Amoco Fabrics and Fibers in Roanoke, Alabama.

Clarence Frieson, Jr. was transformed from mortal to immortal on Thursday afternoon, April 15, 1993, the result of a sudden heart attack.  

He will be remembered and missed, for his humility, his loyalty as a husband, his caring, nurturing ways as a father, his persistence and determination to be a good provider for his family, and a loving creature.  We do not believe that there exists any individaul who ever knew Clarence, that failed to find a great measure of love about him.  To know Clarence was to love Clarence.  Because of tehse attributes, we rest assured that HE IS resting, with Jesus in the high heavens.

We, his survivors, who remain to witness this transition are:  his loving and devoted wife of fifteen years, Mrs. Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson; his two children: Wilkie Sherard Frieson, and Je'Lynn Mikele Frieson all of Roanoke, Alabama; his loving mother, Mrs. Betty L. Frieson (Tuscaloosa, Alabama); God father, Riley Stapp (Tuscaloosa, Alabama); father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence and Cora Frieson (Tuscaloosa, Alabama); his grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Morton (Columbus, Mississippi); two brothers, Executive Chief Warrant Officer Willie James Frieson (Milpitas, California), Warren Frieson (Boston, Massachusetts); three sisters:  Ms. Juanita F. Kimbrough (Birmingham, Alabama), Mrs. Dorothy Washington (Atlanta, Georiga), and Ms. Shelia F. Prince (Tuscaloosa, Alabama); eight nephews, nine nieces; a host of cousins, and other loving relatives and friends.

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