Lionel Jude Clifton

Our beloved son, grandson, nephew and friend Lionel Jude Clifton, 4, of Houston, Texas, passed away on April 22, 2021 at Texas Children’s Hospital. We take comfort in knowing he is giggling in his Father's arms, and that his many, many questions are finally being answered. He was born on July 16, 2016, the son of Will Clifton and Joanna Nathan.

Lionel didn't believe in either/or. As he often said, "both is always a good choice." True to this tenet, his favorite color was rainbow. The joy he brought to living through his infectious laugh, constant smile, and keen sense of humor was passed on to all who encountered him. Each day was an adventure, whether building a spaceship from a cardboard box, assembling a Lego robot, playing with his beloved doggies, or singing and dancing to hip hop and funk.

Lionel cherished the outdoors - hikes in the woods, camping trips with family and friends, bike rides, and hours of playing soccer. Lionel saw this world for the fantastic creation that it is and appreciated every aspect of it. The beauty of the night skies, in particular, captured his attention: he could recite fact after fact about rockets, satellites, and Pluto. He loved to stargaze and dreamed of space travel.

Lionel was a versatile, curious explorer. He thought he was great at knock knock jokes (he was not). He loved spotting the Houston skyline, a Southwest plane in the sky, or pointing out his favorite HEB. Lionel loved competing but was also the most encouraging sportsman. He loved the order and logic of arithmetic - as a kid with so many questions, math was one of the first ways he was able to discover answers on his own. Lionel’s inquisitive spirit and eagerness to learn helped him to become wise beyond his years. His biggest fear was missing out on anything his family might do after he went to bed - and so he would put his excellent negotiation skills to use to avoid bedtime every night. He was quick to help, share, and try anything new. Empathetic, sweet, and kind, Lionel had the gift of connecting with people of all ages and making them feel part of what really mattered, always providing a comforting word or hug, his generous heart open to all.

Lionel recently asked us how big his family is, and through the outpouring of love we've seen from all over the world over the last week, it's clear the answer is that Lionel's family is hundreds strong. He is survived by his parents, Will Clifton and Joanna Nathan; grandparents Laura “Lala” and Bill “Choo Choo” Clifton, Senthil “Thatha” and Jessie “Achi” Nathan; great grandfather N.J. "Big Thatha" Paul; uncles Jonathan Nathan and Chris Clifton; his caregiver Nansy “Titi” Umaña; his friends Jordan Pacelli Everett and Matthew Kuhn; and furry friends Yogi, Shasha, and Tycho. The Morgans and the Robinsons will join Chris and Jonathan as pallbearers. We will miss his all-encompassing hugs.

Lionel’s private graveside service will be livestreamed at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 1, 2021. A public Memorial Picnic to honor Lionel will be held at 4pm at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Gift, BARC, or Buffalo Bayou Partnership.