Clarence D. Forrester Jr.

With his wife at his side, holding his hand, Clarence Daniel Forrester, fondly known as “Cutty Butty” or “Cutty”, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a valiant battle with ongoing illness. The second child and oldest boy of seven children, Clarence was born to the late Clarence Forrester and Mary M. (Wiggins, Forrester) Green on December 19, 1949, in Severn, Maryland. The family moved to Annapolis, Maryland where Clarence grew up.

Clarence always behaved as if there was never enough time. He walked at eight months old and never slowed down. He was industrious and driven - always busy. At six/seven years of age he was helping customers at the local grocery store with their orders. Until he was able to legally work, he also ran errands, sold crabs and fish he caught, cut grass, shoveled snow, cleaned businesses and carried out other chores to earn money. He always worked hard and helped the family with some of his earnings. At the same time, he found time to socialize with his friends - participating in sports, playing cards and going to parties and other social events, everyone in town knew him. His zest for life continued into adulthood and culminated into a full and good life.

Clarence attended schools in Anne Arundel County Maryland and graduated from Annapolis Senior High School in 1968. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971 and received a Bronze star. During his time in the military, he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. He also obtained a BA in Criminology while in the Army. He was living in the State of Washington when he retired from the military in 1990 after 20 years of service. After retiring, he went to work for the State. He worked in the Youth Services Division of the Department of Social Health Services and later moved over to Adult Social Services in Tumwater, Washington. Clarence later retired from the State after 20 years of employment. While working for the State, Clarence also volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and continued to do so after retirement. He volunteered for the DAV for about 25 years, assisting veterans with the disability benefit claims process.

Clarence met his wife, Yong, on a blind date in 1991. They married. February 17, 1995. Together they brought seven children to their blended family. Clarence is a father, stepfather, grandfather and great grandfather. Clarence was an active member of the New Life Baptist Church for well over two decades. His service to God and community was overseeing Building and Grounds.

Clarence became a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Organization under Fred U. Harris Lodge #70, located in Lacey/Olympia Washington, in the late 1980s. He rose to the seat of Worshipful Master, the leader of the lodge. He con7nued his masonic pursuit and became a member of Capital City Consistory Number 106, a Scottish Rite Masonic organization, Prince Hall affiliation, where again he rose to the principal leader of the consistory when he was elected to serve as Commander in Chief.

Clarence served well as Commander-in-Chief, Clarence was honored with an elevation and crowning to the honorary and last degree in Masonry, as a 33rd degree Mason also known as Grand Inspectors General. With all that he did, Clarence still found time to spend with his family and friends. He loved entertaining and having fun. He and Yong loved their active life. They did everything together - traveling in their RV, spending time camping at the ocean, eating out, shopping, gardening, taking care of their pets and other activities. He loved people in general and people loved him. He was characterized as a “good guy” by many. He also took pride in his dress and that was from a young age growing up in Annapolis. He was known for his big, broad smile, sense of humor and never being at a loss for words. Clarence also enjoyed shooting pool, fishing, hunting, racquetball, bowling and cooking.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Forrester and Mary Magdalene (Wiggins, Forrester) Green: stepfather, Frank O. Green; sister, Dorothy (Forrester) Smith; brother, Frank A. Green; and grandson, Donte’ T. Jones. Left to cherish his memories are those who love him: his wife of 32 years, Yong; seven children - his four (three by former wife Audrey Dewberry) and Yong’s three, Taneika Tigner (Anthony), Kwame Forrester, Tavan Moore, Nicole Forrester, Michael Woods, Toby Woods and Valerie Woods; seven grandchildren, Lanesha Perry, Kiera Sewell, Cedric Jones, Jasmine Thompson, Isaiah Bullard, Raylene Bullard and Nevaeh Moore: seven great grandchildren, Eli’Ayah Sewell, Semaj Potts, James Potts, Isiah Tindall, Lyric Howard and Kayden Perry; two sisters, Viola Forrester and Magdalene Davis; two brothers, Wilbert Forrester and John Forrester (Luvenia Renee); an aunt, Ezelle Morgan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.