Clifton Rambert

Clifton Tyrus Rambert was born in Memphis Tennessee on October 14, 1952, to Jesse Rambert and Ida Mary Rambert. He graduated from Mount Pisgah School in 1970 and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country proudly for 10 years and was awarded the Purple Heart. His final tour of duty was in Quang-Tri South Vietnam from 1970-1971, and he received an honorary discharge in 1979 while based in Fort Riley Kansas. Following his distinguished military service, he pursued a career in criminal justice at Washburn University of Kansas where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1984, while also working as a correctional officer for Hutchison Maximum Correctional Facilities where he was then promoted to Kansas State parole officer. He served 28 years with the Kansas Department of Corrections, during which time in 2001, he was chosen as the non-uniform officer of the year for Northern Parole Region for the State of Kansas. While in Kansas, Clifton met and courted the love of his life, Phyllis Kay Yelton, and they were united in holy matrimony on August 10, 1990. Clifton loved creative writing and had a strong passion for history, especially Black History. He also enjoyed working in his church and community. In 2012 he and his wife relocated to Florida where he became an active member of First Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor/Teacher Theodus T. Times II. He also served as chairman of black history programs and was very instrumental in getting First Zion registered with the National Historic Society and the awarding of its historical marker. He was known to those who loved him as “Cliff” … “Big Money” … “Papa” … “Unc” … “Pops” … “Uncle Cliff” and he had a personality BIGGER than life. He is unforgettable and truly one of a kind and could always be counted on to bring a smile or laugh with one of his many “sayings”. Cliff will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Ida Mary Rambert and his three sisters: Yvette Rambert, Betty Jean Jackson, and Debra Bogan. He leaves to cherish his love and memories a devoted wife: Phyllis Rambert of thirty-three years; One son Marlon Hardison (Cher) of Houston, TX; Three stepsons Michael Schram (Jaime) of Spring Hills, KS., Jason Schram (Kathleen) of Bonner Springs, KS., Blake Schram (Jennifer) of Shawnee, KS.; Three brothers Jesse Rembert (Diane) of Memphis, TN., George Rambert (Dutch) of Racine, WI, Henry “Molly” Rambert (Flo) of Star City, AR; One sister Bertina Ayers of Memphis, TN; Several nieces including Carla Rembert Parris (Edvardo), Raquel Rembert Alexander (Reginald), Vicky Rembert Wellington (Nathaniel) and Alicia Rembert McClain all of Memphis, TN., and Deena Rembert Neason of Dallas, TX.; Three great nieces Jessica “Tootie” Neason of Dallas, TX., Victoria “Tori” Wellington and Natalie “Nat Nat” Wellington of Memphis, TN.; One grandson Jaylan Smith (Hardison), and one great grandson Jaylan Smith Jr. (Hardison) of Houston, TX; One remaining aunt on the Rabert side- Aunt Edna Rambert 95 years of age of Jacksonville, NC. He also leaves all his loving church family, Miracle Male Chorus along with a host of cousins, family, and friends.

Clifton Rambert

October 14, 1952 - August 14, 2023