Eva Mae Childress Gorman

LIFE REFLECTIONS

Eva Mae Childress Gorman began her earthly journey on February 4, 1937.  She was the only child of the late Willie Mae Collins McClinton and the third daughter of the late Rev. Henry McClinton of Sumner, MS.

Eva was reared in the Christian faith and at an early age made a decision to accept Jesus as her Savior.  She was baptized and became a member of Old Antioch M. B. Church in Sumner, MS.  As she matured she transferred her membership to Smith Chapel M. B. Church where she served as the Church Pianist under the leadership of the late Rev. Smith.

Eva later became the Pianist at multiple churches in the Tallahatchie County area including:  Old Antioch M. B. Church, Mount Calvary M. B. Church, Mount Zion M. B. Church and Galena M. B. Church.  She served faithfully in these roles until she was lead to connect with King Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Charles M. Johnson.

Eva was passionate about education.  She received her Associates Degree from the Henderson Business College in Memphis, TN.  She later received her B. S. Degree from Alcorn State University in Business Education.  Later she continued her studies and received her M. B. A. from the University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS.  Most recently she received her Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies.

 She served as a Secretary, Business Teacher and Parent Center Coordinator in the Coahoma Agricultural High School for greater than forty years.

Eva’s greatest passion was her love for her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  She used every opportunity presented to her to spread the Gospel of Jesus to all who would listen.  Her mantra was “Hell is Hot”. 

She served faithfully as a member of King Temple in various roles including: a member of the Board of Directors, Choir Member, Deaconess and she served with the Youth Ministry for many years.

She was a member of the Community Bible Study, “Women of Joy”.  She immersed herself in her commitment to this service and taught weekly without tiring.

On October 11, 2019, Eva began to experience chest discomfort and was admitted to Baptist Desoto Hospital.  This visit necessitated the need for open heart surgery.  She fought diligently and fervently for the last seven months of her life.  But God knew her weariness and desire to be in His presence…so on May 22, 2020 @3:16 AM, He stretched out His loving hands and beckoned her home. 

Visitation will be Friday May 29, 2020 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Pleasant Valley M.B. Church, 1051 Walnut St., Clarksdale, MS 38614.  A moment of remembrance will be Saturday May 30, 2020, 12: 00 PM at Pleasant Valley M.B. Church with Rev. James Jackson Sr. officiating.  The burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Sumner, MS which is located at Old Antioch Baptist Church (Friendship Road), across from R.H. Bearden Elementary.  We are asking those who attend to follow COVID-19 Guidelines and STAY HOME if you are running fever or not feeling well.  Mask and hand sanitizer will be provided. 

She was preceded in death by her loving parents Rev. Henry and Mrs. Willie Mae McClinton; her husband Leroy Gorman and two sisters: Ida Mae Williams and Laddie B. Simmons.

She leaves to cherish her life and legacy two daughters who served her tirelessly in her time of ill health:  Gwendolyn McClinton of Clarksdale, MS, Carlo Dukes of Olive Branch, MS and one son Henry (Sandra) Childress of New Orleans, LA.  She also leaves in her passing four grandchildren that affectionately called her “Mama” Yaminoh (Tyrone) Dunbar of Southaven, MS; Stephanie (Alex, Sr.) Wortham of Southaven, MS; Fallon Dukes of Memphis, TN and Elzie G. Dukes, II of Memphis, TN.  She also leaves three great grandchildren who also called her “Mama”, Alex Wortham, II; Tyler Dunbar; and Allyson Wortham all of Southaven, MS.  Their favorite thing to do was “Go to Mama and Gwen’s house”.  She also leaves her nieces, great nieces and great nephews whose lives she impacted greatly. She also leaves many cousins; as well as a childhood friend Viola Davis-Hardy.  The remaining family and friends she leaves behind will always cherish and relish her influence in their lives.

The theme of her 80th Birthday will continue to forever resonate:

            THE LIGHT OF YOUR CANDLE HAS LIT THE PATH FOR MANY.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eva Mae Childress Gorman, please visit our floral store.