Clifton Anderson

Clifton Anderson, Sr. was born in Harlan, Kentucky on Friday, May 12, 1939. He was a loving, faithful, and God-fearing husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, godfather, friend, and mentor. He departed this life unexpectedly and peacefully early in the morning on Sunday, March 29, 2026, and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Clifton confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He earnestly aimed to live by the two greatest commandments, the first of which is “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” He spent each morning reading and studying scripture during his devotional time in his personal relationship with his Lord. As an active member of Mount Ebell Baptist Church in Brent, Alabama, Clifton served as an ordained deacon for several decades, as well as Sunday school superintendent and teacher, diligently preparing before each lesson.

After relocating to Tuscaloosa, he and his wife, Kathryn, when they decided on a church home, joined Elizabeth Baptist Church, attending the early service almost every Sunday morning.

His role as a teacher would lead Clifton to meet the love of his life and best friend—Kathryn Portis, another teacher at the school.

Their relationship led to a beautiful marriage, lasting almost six decades and producing three loving children and four grandchildren whom he doted on. As Clifton and Kathryn navigated life’s peaks and valleys, they served as role models for younger couples.

Clifton epitomized the second greatest biblical commandment “to love your neighbor as you love yourself.” One of the common threads throughout his life was the indelible mark he left on whomever he met. His life was dedicated to serving others—his family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, students, and mentees. Clifton was known for his big heart, radiant smile, and jovial nature. His family and friends fondly remember his sense of humor, always loving to tell and hear good jokes.

Clifton’s heart of service led him to pursue a career in education. He received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Alabama State University, subsequently earning a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama. Clifton also earned a Class AA certification—or Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree—which is a professional educator certificate in Alabama that is beyond a master’s degree. He went on to serve as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and administrator while working at various elementary, junior high, and high schools in Bibb and Tuscaloosa Counties.

Clifton was a member of several organizations, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 100 Black Men of Tuscaloosa, Alabama State University Alumni Association, Connecting Links of the Links, Incorporated, and served as president, vice president, or treasurer of several organizations. During his lifetime, he received numerous awards for his service, dedication, and leadership.

One of Clifton’s favorite sayings was “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” True to his aspiration, the day before his passing, Clifton spent Saturday participating in a youth mentoring program at church.

After retiring, Clifton and Kathryn had even more time to travel. Throughout the years, they visited The Bahamas, Canada, Cayman Islands, France, Great Britain, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, and various states throughout the US, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Clifton was preceded in death by his mother Rosa Lee Anderson; his father Clifton Lewis, Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Bertha Anderson; his siblings Roland Anderson, Clarence Jerome Lewis, Herman Lewis, Peggy Lewis, Sandra Lewis, and Willie Lewis; his brothers-in-law Oliver (Helen) Spears, and his sisters-in-law, Betty (Henry) Hosey, and Dorothy (Willie) Thomas.

Clifton leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Kathryn Portis Anderson; his children Chandra (Phillip) Spencer, Clifton Anderson, Jr., and Carlita Anderson; his siblings Clifton (Carolyn) Lewis, Jr., David Earl Rice, and Shirley Lewis; his grandchildren Phillip Michael Spencer, Cameron Spencer, Kennedi Spencer, and Alana Spencer; his brothers-in-law, Robert Spears, Ronnie (Diane) Portis, Vivian (Bonita) Portis; his sisters-in-law, Rose (Ervin) Kinsey, Sylvia Collins, and Margaret Holmes; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, US, on April 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 2650 Elizabeth St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, US, on April 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, US, on April 7, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm.