John W. Clemons, Jr.

Please click here to view the services for Mr. John Clemons on Sunday, January 4, 2025 at 2:00pm. 

John Wesley Clemons, Jr.

 Born August 21, 1942, in Barnesville, Georgia, John was the beloved son of the late John W. Clemons Sr. and Bernice Freeman. After his parents’ divorce, his mother married Julius Banks, expanding John’s family with six siblings: Reuben Banks, Emory Banks, Donna Banks (deceased), Crystal Banks-McCoy, Jeffrey Banks, and Tiffanye Banks-Davis. John spent his formative years in Griffin, Georgia, lovingly raised by his grandparents, Jack and Hessie Freeman.

John cherished lifelong bonds with family and friends. Growing up among his aunts and uncles, whom he considered siblings, he created countless memories—sharing beds with his aunts, riding the family farm horse Charlie into town, and proudly declaring himself his grandfather’s favorite. He shared a special connection with Ruby Freeman-Ward, his youngest aunt, as they celebrated their shared birthday with joy and laughter.

Educated in Griffin’s public schools, John later moved to Dayton, Ohio, to live with his father and attended Roosevelt High School. He eventually settled in Atlanta, graduating from Archer High School in 1961, where he was fondly remembered as “that fine northern boy” who turned heads.

After high school, John enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War. While stationed in California, he studied mechanical engineering at Ventura State College. Proud of his military service, John remained active as a member of the American Legion in Bowie, MD, and Washington, D.C.

On September 18, 1965, John married Griselda Houseworth at Howard University School of Religion. From this union they had one daughter, Katrina JeVonne Clemons (Cook). They later divorced.

Professionally, John built a distinguished career in the Washington, D.C. area, holding supervisory roles as a Xerox operator for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Journal Newspaper, Army Times, Navy and Air Force Times, and Federal Times. His most notable position was as a Xerox specialist and supervisor for the minority clerk on Capitol Hill. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2013.

John’s vibrant personality lit up every room—charismatic, proud, humorous, and full of life. He loved golf, storytelling, and considered himself “the greatest” at everything he touched. He will forever be remembered as “John Mr. Wonderful Clemons”—a title he proudly gave himself.

John leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, cherished by his former wife, Griselda Houseworth Clemons, daughter, Katrina JeVonne Clemons-Cook (Chris); grandchildren, Kai Li Ferrell Cook and Kaleia Angela Rose Cook; one Uncle, Paul Freeman (Griffin, GA); siblings, Reuben Banks (Kim), Emory Banks (Deborah), Donna Banks (deceased), Crystal McCoy, Jeffrey Banks, Tiffanye Davis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.