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Deacon Jesse James Clements, Sr.
Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home
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Published: Nov 22, 2017, 7:51 PM

Jesse James Clements, Sr., was born on Aug. 5, 1922, to the union of the late Julia Mae Ross and Willie Lee Clements in Apolo. He moved to Covington with his family while he was a young child. He graduated from Washington Street School in Newton County and the QMC Technical School. Jesse accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethel Grove Baptist Church in Mansfield. Later he became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as Church Treasurer for several years and was a member of the Deacon Board.

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Jesse James Clements, Sr. courageously served his country and was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Service and the Good Conduct Medals during his service. After returning, he was employed at Georgia Highway Express in Atlanta, where he retired as a dock foreman. Like Jesus, he was a carpenter by trade and built numerous beautiful homes around the Newton County area.

He married the late Lillie Ruth Riley in 1942. They were blessed to have nine children: Barbara Jean, Sara Mae, Jesse James Jr., Rosemary, Marvin Grant, Melvin Gene, Winifred Yvette, Pamela Denise, and Robert Sydney.

In 1974, he married Julia White Smith and to this union they added Huel, Linda Gail, Vanessa Dale and Wanda Michelle.

Five of his children preceded him in death, Robert “Bobby,” Barbara “Bob” Jesse, Jr, Huel and Linda.

Jesse James Clements, Sr. enjoyed life to the fullest.

His family: Attending family gatherings and celebrations; dancing with the girls; playing basketball with the grands and great-grands; telling “tall tales” to a captive audience; singing the old hymns of Zion with his “backup choir” of children and grandchildren, or just hanging out any day of the week.

His friends: The undisputed checkers champion of the area, he took on players of all ages and considered it his duty to visit and shave the sick and shut in.

Jesse James Clements, Sr. departed this life on Nov. 17, 2017. Just as in life his exit from this earthly tabernacle was peaceful. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his wife of 43 years Julia, eight children, 28 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchild, eight great-great-grandchildren; three sisters in law: Sadie Belcher of Columbus, Helen Floyd and Annie Vason of Covington; brother in law: Marvin White of Covington; daughters in law: Dessie Clements (Jesse), Shirley Clements (Marvin), Lelia Foster and Martha Clements (Melvin); sons in law: Harold Bigelow of Atlanta, David Norwood of Covington, Tommy Phillips III of Decatur, Howard Anderson IV of Jacksonville, Florida, and Clifford McKnight (Michelle) of Covington;  nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017 at 12 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, at 2177 Usher St., in Covington, with Rev. H.K. Benton, Jr., Rev. Karen Kelly and Rev. Dwayne A. Stephens officiating. 
Obituary: Robert I. Stafford
Robert I. Stafford
Robert I. Stafford (Dec. 1, 1941 — April 16, 2025) - photo by Contributed Photo
Published: May 12, 2025, 3:26 PM

Robert Irby “Bob” Stafford was born into a large family in Summerfield, NC on December 1, 1941. He passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, after suffering from a fall in 2022.

Bob grew up in the small town of Summerfield, NC. After graduating from Summerfield High School, he briefly joined the Army Reserves. Bob worked various jobs before moving to Georgia with Moore Business Forms, where he held various sales and management positions before starting his own company in 1985. He moved to Covington in 2005 after living in Atlanta for several years.

Bob was predeceased by his mother, Doris Stafford Kania, and step-father, Edward Kania. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Vicki Stafford; his daughter, Karen Collins; his son, Scott Stafford (Jennifer); his cherished grandchildren, Flynne Collins Cherry (Jack), Ian Collins, Jack Stafford, Ellie Stafford and Emma Stafford; and his twin great granddaughters, Davie May and Tomorrow Cherry. His family and friends remember Bob as a strong, loving and wise example whose guidance and support were unwavering.

While living in Atlanta, Bob was an active and devoted member of the North Atlanta (North DeKalb) Rotary Club and served as president during 1988-1989. He was a long-term contributor to the Georgia Rotary Student Program as a Trustee and Vice-Chair. He and Vicki were host parents and grandparents to many students from around the world for 40 years. After moving to Covington, Bob joined the Rotary Club of Covington and served as president during 2010-2011. He was also a member of the Covington Police Who Care Board.

Bob was a passionate hunter and avid outdoorsman who enjoyed elk hunting in southwest Colorado with Vicki for many years. His wall is adorned with numerous trophies from his adventures, including elk, deer, duck, dove, and quail hunting. These outings provided him lots of time to socialize with friends. Recently, he became an avid hog hunter, even recruiting Vicki as his spotter with advanced equipment for nighttime hunts.

After Bob’s serious fall in September 2022, he spent the last 2.5 years at PruittHealth of Covington, receiving excellent care from the devoted staff. The family appreciates their support for Bob and Vicki, which made his final journey easier.

The family will receive friends at a gathering to celebrate Bob’s life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 at J.C. Harwell Funeral Home (2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to The Arts Association of Newton County at 1169 Washington Street, Covington GA 30014 or to the Covington Family YMCA at 2140 Newton Drive, NE, Covington GA 30014.