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Rev. Clementa Pinckney
Rev. Clementa Pinckney
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Clementa Pinckney Obituary
A 19-year state legislator, Pinckney was among nine victims Wednesday of a shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, one of the country's oldest black churches. He was 41. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two children, Eliana and Malana.
"What stood out more than his big frame and booming voice was his astronomical heart he had for his fellow man," said Senate Minority Leader Nikki Setzler.
Just one year after graduating from Allen University in 1995, Pinckney became, at 23, the youngest African-American elected to the South Carolina Legislature. In 2000, he was elected to the state Senate.
He earned his masters of public administration from the University of South Carolina in 1999 and studied at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
A native of Beaufort, Pinckney began preaching at the age of 13 and was first appointed pastor at 18. He was named pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2010, according to the state Democratic Party.
"He had a core not many of us have," said Sen. Vincent Sheheen, who sat beside him in Senate chambers. "I think of the irony that the most gentle of the 46 of us — the best of the 46 of us in this chamber — is the one who lost his life."
Senators walked into chambers together Thursday and gathered at the podium for a prayer. A vase of flowers sat on a black cloth draping Pinckney's desk.
Senators watched a video of Pinckney speaking at the podium after a former North Charleston police officer was charged with murder for fatally shooting an unarmed black man. Pinckney pushed for legislation helping law enforcement agencies statewide get body cameras. Setzler called Pinckney's April 14 speech "probably his finest moment in the South Carolina Senate."
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
673 Entries
C McMurray-Thompkins
August 11, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Cynthia Pinckney McMurray-Thompkins
Kion Shariff Fulton Wilson
May 29, 2022
Sentor Clementa Pinckney, from the state of south carolina. He was a good man that cared about the people, made good decisions among the parties & went, to be a great sentor, he talked to the Jasper county high school, SC but had his own negotiations. to the county and people, I would say as a person or cadet first lieutenant of the UNITED STATES MCJROTC ACADEMY, MARINES. I MYSELF WAS BORN IN CHARLESTON, IN THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA. AND I WAS RAISED IN JASPER AND AWAY FROM CHARLESTON, IN REASONS SOME MAKE MISTAKES, BUT DON'T MAKE THEM & CAN'T RECOVER, SO BE THE BETTER YOU CAN BE, SO IN YOUR TERMS. BE YOUR OWN BOSS AND CAPT IN LIFE AND OF SPIRIT, IN THE COUNTRY WE CHOOSE TO SERVE.
How you can show support
Veronica Polite
January 10, 2018
I know you are resting in peace. You were an ANGEL here on earth, now you are an ANGEL in heaven.
January 9, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Hester Pinckney-Jones
April 21, 2016
I was truly devastated about the lost of my cousin. My heart continues to ache, we must remember to keep his wife and children in prayer, also the community, his church family and the other lives that was taken along with his. In time there is healing. Keep praying for one another. My sincere condolences to all the families, and to my family. God Bless.
Barbara Butler
December 21, 2015
Thank you for never giving up!
May God Bless your family!
Richard Hicks
July 29, 2015
Words cannot express the sorrow of our lost. We will forever remember you and the others from that tragic night.
Lena Williams
July 26, 2015
I pray that your family finds healing. It is so sad to know that such a great man is no longer with us. RIP
TH
July 21, 2015
To the Pinckney family, How difficult it is to lose someone who is so dearly loved and needed. He dedicated himself to family, and so many others. May you draw comfort and strength each day through prayer and God's promises. (Jeremiah 29 : 11-13)
Dorothy Rowson
July 17, 2015
Never to be forgotten. Your life and death has changed South Carolina.
July 10, 2015
A tragedy has robbed us of a soldier in the war of racial divides and our hearts are wounded. But his strong faith speaks to the words of John 5:25,28,29 and we will see him again in paradise!
Terrie Moulds
July 10, 2015
You ran your race, now, it is time to rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Just know, you nor the other 8 lives was not lost in vain. You can see the change that you all fought for. You will never be forgotten
Hester Pinckney-Jones
July 9, 2015
My condolences to my family and the families who loss their loved ones. May God brings some comfort in time of sorrow. Keep the peace and love in our hearts always.
July 7, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
CONNIE Y. BUTLER
July 3, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
GLENDA ADAMS
July 3, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mae Collier
July 1, 2015
The kind and gentle person he was, I'm sure the one who made him, realized how special he was, to be left in the midst of this cruel world. He belongs to a place that is kind, a place that is away from all the hassles of this world. May his spirit experience celestial peace and heavenly bliss.
To the family that he left behind, know you are and were and always will be loved. Please accept my deep condolences. Many Blessings!
Katie Barber
July 1, 2015
My family and I are thinking of the loss of all of these wonderful people. The thought of losing someone in a tragic way weakens my heart and love for the world. This was God's plan and it was time for Reverend Pinckney to be back up above the clouds with his creator. He put so much love and affection into the world, it was time for him to receive everything he gave away in a special way. He's in a better place now, and he will be looking down on everyone, smiling at how we are all getting along.
Stay safe, peace is key.
With Love,
Beatrice Wright
July 1, 2015
Praying for the family and also the Church family. Home at last what a family reunion that will be when we all get home at last. Blessings
Thoma Lewis- Williams
June 30, 2015
My family's thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May God bless you and keep you in his care.
Elaine Mazyck
June 30, 2015
Hoping the thoughts and prayers will lift our spirits, ease our minds, and bring the promise of better days to come.
Celeste Lennon
June 30, 2015
God bless!
Tonya Young
June 30, 2015
Praying for u all GOD BLESS !!!!
Susan Willis
June 29, 2015
A man of honor, a life well-lived, a good and faithful servant...May his soul rest in peace.
To his family, Please accept my deep condolences on the loss of your husband, father, son, brother, uncle Clementa. He has been cruelly snatched from your midst and left a deep wound. May God comfort you, heal you, and grace you with courage to carry on. My heart aches with you.
DARNA POOLE
June 29, 2015
Well Done Thy Faithful Servant
The messenger has come, He comes to set us free.
To Him whose love He reconciles, to thee He calls your name.
Patiently He waits for all; Patiently our Master calls; to run this race, He will not let us fail.
He calls for one and all to enter into judgment. He says my faithful son, enter now into thy place of rest, the heavens belong to thee, O holy child of God.
Your service to me is sweeter than honey, sweeter than any perfume. It smells like incense to my nostrils, I taste and smell it's good.
It pleases the One who called you from your youth.
I delight in you O holy child of God.
He receives you now to His embrace you servant of the Father, the author and finisher of your faith.
Well done thy good and faithful servant, well done. Enter now to thy place of rest, O holy child of God.
His tender mercies has come to thee, but you shall live again--to the heavens far above the clouds.
The Master calls to all someday, O holy children of God. Enter now to His loving embrace.
Our loving God for always.
AMEN
Rest in peace Reverend Climenta Pinckney.
Written by Darna M. Poole
June 29, 2015
May you find speedy comfort and peace as you go through this terrible heartbreak. Our prayers are with you all.
Gods Love Conquers All!!!
The Blackman Family
AUDREY BAKER
June 29, 2015
R.I.P
G.M. Taylor
June 29, 2015
My prayers and condolences to the families of all the victims. May God give you peace and comfort.
robin jordan
June 28, 2015
So much you have accoplish, in the time you where with us ,it will be strongly remembered. I know you are going to be watching over us, making sure that what you have done keep on moving foward. God is going to take care of your Family. Robin Jordan (Hamden Ct)
Annie Mason
June 28, 2015
GOD KNOWS. So much accomplished in such a short period of time. Rest in Peace Pastor and Servant.
Emanuel Bryson
June 28, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Joseph Smith
June 28, 2015
May God keep blessing you and we will keep you in our prayers.
William Betterson
June 28, 2015
Your family is in our prayers
William and Ida Betterson
Joseph Snowden III
June 28, 2015
Your life was not in vain. You were able to accomplish so much.
Rev. & Mrs. Samuel L. Sparks III
June 28, 2015
Mrs. Pinckney & daughters,
With God's love and the support of those who care so much, may you find the comfort and strength that will help you now and through the days ahead.
Clara Godhigh
June 28, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
June 28, 2015
you and your family be bless.luv
Alfred and Gwendolyn
Charleston S.C.29412
Wilbur Jackson
June 28, 2015
My condolences go out to the family and entire community Brother Pinckley served. His leadership will be remembered and followed for years to come.
June 28, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 28, 2015
John 16:20;22 says it all. " What a Man ! "
Thank " The Almighty " for allowing us to experience his presence, and appreciate the numerous deeds that he executed here on earth. Again," What a Man ! "
Many have past this way before him, but few have left " FOOTPRINTS " that truly mattered, and will matter for generations to come.
God Bless You, Mrs. Pinckney, Eliana and Malana. We will keep your family in our prayers.
The late Rev. G. M. Eubanks Family
formally of St. Augustine, Florida
J Kirkland and family
June 28, 2015
PINCKNEY FAMILY, God will wipe away your tears as he has promised. KEEP looking up,
Anderson B Thomas
June 28, 2015
We are all sadden to hear of the loss at Emmanuel AME Church. Please find comfort in knowing that our prayers and thoughts are with these families. The Antioch UME Church Family
Norris Bryant
June 28, 2015
God Bless You. Your living and death was not in vain. God's plan, you may affect race relations more now than before!!!
Joahn Brown
June 27, 2015
To The Pinckney Family,
God picks only the best. Remember the great times spent with your loved one. It is ok to cry, but may you cry both tears of joy and sorrow. God will take care of you.
From your AME Family in Smithfield, VA, Brown's AME Church, the Cuffey, White, Faltz, Brown and Yeoman Family
Laurie Wilson
June 27, 2015
I am praying for your family that their keep on being strong.
Rhonda James
June 27, 2015
GOD be with you and your family.
Rhonda James
June 27, 2015
May GOD continue to be with you and your family at this difficult time. My prayers will continue to be you. Be blessed.
sonya tanner
June 27, 2015
May GOD be with YOU and your daughters.Stay Strong !
Alfreda Harris
June 27, 2015
My prayers and convalescences goes out to the Pinckney family and dealing with this tragic loss. May God continue to be with them all.
Harriet Gilkerson
June 27, 2015
My prayers are with your family and friends and with the families and friends of the other Eight.
Maybe with a small measure of your grace, we can find a way forward. I hope so, I pray so.
You were, in our President's words, a good man, a fine man.
Yolaunda Bass
June 27, 2015
May your death not be in vain. R. I. P.
June 27, 2015
We all need love Ron Edge
June 27, 2015
At a lost for words; and thinking what do you say at a time like this. Only God knows what best. God wisdom and understanding is always beyond our understanding. In due time we will be able to make sense of all of this. I believe our President said it best 'AMAZING GRACE'. We will continue to keep you up in prayer for peace and strength and time heals all. To the family of a man I never met but since his death I feel as if I do know him. Live on now with your Master. Looking forward to officially meeting you in a home not made by hands. In that great getting up morning. LaVonnie M Stoney in West Park, Florida.
Phyllis
June 27, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Kathy Wright
June 27, 2015
Pinckney family, May God continue bless and keep you in His gracious care. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyce O'Neal
June 27, 2015
My prayers for you and your daughters! May God continue to keep you in perfect peace!
Maya Brown
June 27, 2015
For the Family: This light, I hope will offer you comfort.
As your loss is truly unimaginable.
But your strength and courage gave every young child, the will to continue on, to promote the Lord.
God Bless! Maya. Age 10.
Marsha Hunter
June 27, 2015
Such a tragedy! To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. To the wife and children my deepest sympathy!!
LORRAINE BACKMAN
June 27, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
mamie robinson
June 27, 2015
What a moving ceremony. May god continue to bless your family as the days go by
LouEster Manigault
June 27, 2015
May you rest in peace knowimg that your living was not in vain.
Russell and Darlene Earle
June 27, 2015
Praying for the family and may God keep them. Only God knows. Rest in Peace
Myra Rambo
June 27, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dr. Nettie Walker-Wood
June 27, 2015
Upon the leadership of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc president, Dr. Jerry Young and our congress president Dr. George Waddles,Jr. Nine children led hundreds of our children and adults in prayer for the families hurting by this tragic loss.
Vilena Daniels
June 27, 2015
Our prayers are with you and your daughters. Much love!
Charles Pinckney
June 27, 2015
Prayers for all the Pinckney family in South Carolina. From a cousin who resides in Australia.
Mildred "Millie" Jenkins Bradley
June 27, 2015
TO Mrs. Pinckney, her children & Mother Emauel Congregation
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Proverbs 116:15)
Good Man-Friend--Husband--Father--Teacher--Leader--Pastor--Shepherd--Senator--Advocate--ANGEL OF GOD!!
May the empathy, compassion, and humanity for others he demonstrated be mirrored by us all as we go forward.
Catherine Hall
June 27, 2015
My prayers are with your entire family!
Michelle Giles
June 27, 2015
R.I.P.
Mary Shepherd
June 26, 2015
May god bless and keep all y'all in our prayers love everyone from Houston,Texas it was a beautiful sermon Barack Obama did.
Reginald Mcknight
June 26, 2015
My condolences to church, family, and friends for the lost of Reverend Pinckney.
Joycelyn Powell
June 26, 2015
Praying that your family will feel God's comforting touch as you endure this great loss. Thank you for sharing your husband/father with the world and know that this tragedy has been felt by us all. His life and death will be an inspiration for ages to come. May God bless and keep you all!
Wardell Hunt
June 26, 2015
May God bless and forever keep your wife and daughters
Carla Byrd
June 26, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family.
June 26, 2015
May God wrap his hands around you and your family at this difficult time.I pray that you and your family peace.
Charlena Banks- Maryland
June 26, 2015
My testimony for the last 3 months have been about finally understanding the concept of Grace. And yet the President transcended that understanding to mean so much more. May God's Amazing Grace be what you and your family need it to be in the days to come.
Y. White
Virginia
Towanda Cooper Pittman
June 26, 2015
Sorry for your loss Mrs Pinckney praying for you and those beautiful girls. God bless just continue to hold on to God unchanging hand
Bobbie Davis
June 26, 2015
Praying for the family.
June 26, 2015
Keep to your faith to help during this very difficult time!!!
Annie Price
June 26, 2015
May God bless his family and give them comfort. Prayers for the church family as well.
June 26, 2015
To The family of Honorable Reverend Clementa Pinckney, the Lytch Family of Dillon, SC, Florence, SC and Atlanta, GA extended our deepest condolences to you. You are forever in our prayers for healing and for strength.
Sherry Prunty
June 26, 2015
Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family!!!! I didn't know him but my heart is so heavy for the loss of such a giant. History will always keep him in our memories!!!!! May God throw his loving arms around you and wipe all your tears away!!!! I love You!!!
Shanta, Kennedi, & Kori
June 26, 2015
Know that you are loved dear ones, we lift your family in prayer continuously.
Jamie Franklin
June 26, 2015
My deepest condolences to you Mrs. Pinckney and your family. May God bless you all!
Michielle R. Cannon-Finch
June 26, 2015
Condolences to the entire Pinckney family, Church members and the City of Charleston. God Be With You!!
Linda Byrd
June 26, 2015
May you find peace.
Kelly Barth
June 26, 2015
Dear Mrs. Clemente,
I am so sorry for your loss, and my prayers are with you and your daughters. Thank you so much for allowing us to share in the funeral services today. I learned so much about the wonderful Reverend Clemente and about the amazing AME church. I am in awe of what a wonderful man your husband was and with the inspiring display of prayer and grace by so many amazing people of faith today. The service was so moving and awe-inspiring - I will never forget it. May God bless you and keep you. Sending our love to you, your girls, and your family.
Margaret Webster
June 26, 2015
To the family of the late Rev and Senator C Pinckney. I expressed my deepest sympathy to you. I can't imagine the pain you all are experiencing. May God put His loving arms around you and comfort each and everyone of you. Rev RIP!! Gone too soon.
June 26, 2015
To the family of Rev Clementa Pinckney we are so sorry for your lost .....
- Wilma Wright Brown and family (Riveria Beach. Fla)
Linda DuPont
June 26, 2015
Rev. Clementa made a difference in our lives. I pray peace be upon your family, and that your wife and girls be comforted with peace knowing they were blessed with such a wonderful person in their lives.
Mattie Minor
June 26, 2015
May God forever keep you and the AME families at Mother Emanuel. Mattie Minor...Balls Temple AME..MS
Mr. & Mrs. JB Kelley
June 26, 2015
You were guided by Philippians 4:13 ... I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Thanks for your service, May God Bless your family.
Nahketah Bagby
June 26, 2015
May Grace and Peace be you and all of us.
Let is all march forward with the love of God.
Michelle Goings
June 26, 2015
Jennifer,
I'm so saddened by what's happened. Please know that you and the girls have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you during this time and always.
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