Clementine Young

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.” - Romans 12:6-7

They shall call her Master Teacher.

Commitment to Family: Clementine, born on August 18, 1938, was the fourth child of 11 born to the late Reverend Morris Stewart, Sr. and Celestine Jasmin Stewart. As one of the elder siblings, Clementine faithfully managed her parents' affairs and nurtured her younger brother and sisters. She not only guided them with their homework but also offered wise advice and counsel, particularly in matters of dating. Amidst her family responsibilities, Clementine found joy in dancing at Bobby Sox, where she learned the "duck."

Perseverance and Determination: With determination, Clementine excelled academically at Magnolia High School, where she served as a class officer and earned the title of Homecoming Queen for the 1955-56 academic year. Graduating with honors in 1956, she pursued higher education at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA, studying to become a teacher.

In 1960, Clementine became the first college graduate in her family, earning a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Following in the footsteps of her aunt and mentor, Feliska Stewart Taylor, Clementine embarked on her teaching career at Cedar Grove, which later changed to St. Louis then to Fifth Ward Elementary, a school dedicated to educating African American children. Clementine's pursuit of excellence led her to earn a Master of Education degree, qualifying her to supervise student teachers and supervise parish materials and media center. In addition to Cedar Grove, Clementine worked at several schools, including Gramercy Elementary, Vacherie Primary, and Sixth Ward Elementary. She left a lasting impact on hundreds of students and mentored numerous teachers, fostering academic excellence and nurturing young minds.

Excellence in Education: Renowned for her expertise in reading instruction, Clementine not only modeled the best practices for her colleagues but also extended her knowledge to her family, teaching her nieces and nephews to read. Her dedication to teaching was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year for the 1984-85 school year. Following a remarkable 32-year career with the St. James Parish School System, Clementine retired in 1992. However, even after retiring, Clementine’s dedication to teaching reading and writing skills endured as she continued to serve as a coordinator for Project Read for another decade. Grounded in her faith, Clementine also shared the teachings of Jesus Christ as a Sunday School teacher, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy.

Faith and Love: Aside from her esteemed career in education, Clementine found great joy in her roles as a loving wife and mother. Her first marriage to Alton Stevenson blessed her with a beautiful daughter, Sharon Renee. On August 20, 1967, she married Hilton Young, her high school classmate, whom she held a special place in her heart despite his friendly teasing during their high school years. Although they pursued different paths after graduation—Clementine off to college and Hilton went to the military—fate eventually reunited them. Together they created a nurturing environment for their daughter, Sharon, imparting lessons of independence and the value of life's blessings.

Generosity and Kindness: Clementine's generosity extended to her nieces and nephews, particularly Glen Darrin Stewart and Najee’ Davis, whom she assisted in raising as her own sons. Affectionately known as "momma" to others, including Pastor Troy D. Smith, Sr., Evangelist Charlene "Cookie" Sylvester, and her cousin Judy Williams Pinkins, Clementine's love was a constant presence in their lives.

Impeccable Sense of Style and Leisure: Clementine possessed a keen sense of style and relished shopping outings with her daughter, godchild Erica and sisters: Betty, Evelena, Amelia and Irene. Sharing a similar fashion sense with her sisters, Clementine and her sister Evelena often found themselves selecting matching outfits, despite shopping at the same stores, but in different locations. Family vacations held special significance for Clementine, who delighted in exploring destinations like the Bahamas, Las Vegas, and Disney World. In addition to her love for travel, Clementine enjoyed music, particularly her favorite song, “The Second Time Around” by Shalamar.

A Legacy to Remember: Clementine's life teaches us the value of perseverance, family, education, kindness, and faith, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire and uplift others. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon R. Stevenson; siblings Evelena Sam, Amelia (Earl) Donald, Betty S. Stewart (James), Merita S. (Raymond) Victorian, and Enoch (Darrel Ann) Stewart; an aunt, Viola Thompson; sisters and brothers-in-law Emma Young, Geneva Scott, Willis Young Jr., and Roosevelt (Elaine) Stevenson; special sister-cousins, Lena Mae (Lester) Ketchens and Shelia (Riccardo) Williams; godchildren, Debbie Bean, Erica Mitchell, Nicole Charles, and Edmond J. (Kirstin) Gros, III along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Hilton Young; beloved parents, Reverend Morris, Sr. and Celestine Jasmin Stewart; her only granddaughter, Keira M. Girtley, as well as siblings Maudry S. Brown, Benjamin Stewart, Sr., Morris Stewart, Jr, Vernia S. Sheppard, and Irene S. Sims.

A Celebration of Life honoring Clementine Young will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 1244 Magnolia Heights St., Vacherie, LA 70090. Visitation beginning at 9AM with services to follow at 11AM. Pastor Johnnie B. Magee, Jr., officiant. Interment at First Baptist Church Cemetery. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 East Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052.