Cleartha Hollingsworth Sr.

In 1947 at the age of 10, Cle helped his father build their family brick home in Clarksdale, MS. Upon completion, family moved in 1949 to 1802 W Sixth Street where the home is still located.

Cle accepted Christ and was baptized at Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor M. M. Morris in 1950. He attended Myrtle Hall Elementary School and graduated from W. A. Higgins High School in 1955.

Cle moved to Peoria, Illinois where he met Ludie Mae Jackson in 1956. A loving relationship flourished into holy matrimony on July 8, 1957. To this union seven children were born.

Cle was employed at Keystone Steel & Wire (now known as Liberty Steel) for 37 years, retired December of 1999. Earlier years, Cle enjoyed hunting with his late father-in-law (Leroy Jackson, Sr.) and brother-in-law (Leroy Jackson, Jr.). Cle loved spending time with family that included, fishing at Leisure Oaks Park, picnics at Detweiller Park, Sandy’s Hamburgers and watching Wild Kingdom. He also loved barbequing and 4th of July fireworks.

Cle was an avid bowler of The National Bowling Association (TNBA) for over 40 years with past team members; Pleasant Gordon and James Nash. He enjoyed gardening and canning peaches for the famous Peach Cobbler.

Cle learned how to bake cakes from scratch with his Mother. His late mother-in-law, Nanny Jackson, perfected a caramel frosting which he mastered. Soon, the community would snow-ball into requesting various kinds of cake: (jelly, german chocolate, coconut cakes). But the Caramel cake was the most popular.

Cle loved his pet dogs: Aramus, Patches and welcomed cat, Sapphire who had six kittens under his shed, so he started buying can food for them!

Cle was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Henry Hollingsworth; two sons: Henry Hollingsworth, II and Darryl Hollingsworth, Sr.; five sisters: Isabelle Brew, Kay Francis Tillis, Cleotha Ford, Pearlene Bell, and Bobbie Jean Hollingsworth.

Cle leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Ludie Mae Hollingsworth; children: Clearthur (Gladys) Hollingsworth, Jr., Vanessa (David) Washington, Jr., Brian (Vanita) Hollingsworth, Angela Bailey, all of Peoria, IL; Eric (Angelia) Hollingsworth of Olympia, WA; daughter-in-law Anita Hollingsworth of Memphis, TN; one sister: Nancy Hollingsworth Lewis of Atlanta, GA; one aunt, Mary Herrod of Peoria, IL; 19 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren. Special bonus children/grandchildren: O’Neil, Shonda Perry and children. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, and friends.

Cleartha Hollingsworth, Sr. (Cle) will be sorely missed by family, friends, and the community. But always remember:

“YOU AIN’T MUCH, BUT YOU ALL I GOT”