Clementine Sharpe spent the first five years of her life in rural Dallas County Alabama, where she grew up in a very segregated world. At a very young age, she watched her father, and his brothers save a minister from being lynched. The man was an AME minister the same as her father. The minister was in danger because he encouraged Black folks to vote and seek higher wages. Clementine’s commitment to social justice and fair play was instilled in her by her father who raised his children to fear no man. Clementine’s family moved to Selma, Alabama where she grew up with her father Peter Sharpe, and mother Lula Mahalia Smith Sharpe. She was the youngest of four children.
Her siblings being L.V., John who was called Jack and Lula. Their mother was Baptist, and their father was Methodist. Jack and Clementine joined the Baptist Church with their mother. Her sisters L V and Lula joined the Methodist church with their father. They attended each other church services, however, Clementine remained forever committed to the tenants of the Baptist Church. She grew up a very active member of First (Colored) Baptist Church. As a child she was baptized there and attended Sunday School, Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, and youth activities. Clementine raised her four children in the same manner as she was raised in a Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, Zion Hill Baptist Church. The south did not offer promising careers for Black Americans in the 1950’s After graduating from Knox Academy high school, Clementine packed her bags for Youngstown, Ohio headed north to seek a freer life with more opportunities for people of color. She attended Youngstown State University, met her husband, and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where she married Charles Gillum. Growing up in the segregated south did not impede Mrs., Gillum ability to excel and interact with people from all walks of life.
After several aspiring careers, Clementine retired as a supervisor from Ohio Bell known as AT&T in 1991, she was employed there for 22 years. After retirement she traveled with her daughter to many places across the country and the world. She enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and was an avid member of her Bridge Club that requires significant cognitive effort and strategic thinking. She was an active member in the Tau Gamma Delta Sorority. She enjoyed beautifying her family home. Most importantly, Clementine was a devoted wife for more than 50 years. Her passion was also to be a wonderful mother to her four children supported and admired their accomplishments. Clementine exhibited a vibrant personality that drew people to her and she was a long time active member of the Lee Road Baptist Church.
Clementine was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Lula Sharpe, her husband Charles Gillum, stepson Kenneth Gillum, sons Tyrone Gillum (Toni) and James JP Gillum. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Susan Gillum Smith, son Carlton Gillum and stepson Charles E. Gillum (Shirley). Many grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, goddaughter, godson, and a host of family nieces, nephews and friends.
Clementine Gillum’s journey changed on July 14, 2024. She will be dearly missed and loved by many. She will always be in our hearts.