Clarence Bruce Debose

A Journey of a Lifetime

"Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go."-Proverbs 22:6 On September 4, 1946, Clarence and Ora Lee Debose welcomed their first child, whom they named Clarence Bruce Debose. Clarence, who was commonly referred to as Bruce by many, was raised by his parents and grandparents, Arthur and Hattie Twyner, along with his six siblings in State Line, Mississippi. The environment in which he was nurtured allowed him to adopt strong Christian values, a genuine love for his family, and a commitment to hard work and education.

"The Heart Of The Prudent Acquires Knowledge, And The Ear Of The Wise Seeks Knowledge."-Proverbs 18:15 His educational journey began at a very early age in Greene County, where he later obtained his high school diploma from Greene County Vocational High School in Leakesville, MS in 1964.

After graduating from high school, Clarence attended Mississippi Valley State University, later transferring to Rust College in Holly Springs, MS. On April 28, 1968, Clarence was initiated in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated by way of the Gamma Psi Chapter. The following year, patience, persistence and precision warranted him to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Rust College. Clarence later returned to the campus of Rust College, where he received his Golden Anniversary 50th year diploma.

After graduating from college in 1969, Clarence became an educator at Riverview High School in Wayne County where he taught Mathematics until integration.

"They Shall Become One Flesh." –Genesis 2:24Clarence met the true love of his life, Betty Jean Holcombe and the two wed on April 15, 1971 in State Line, MS. To this union, three beautiful children were born: Conswella Danielle Debose, Clifford Bernard Debose and Ebonye Dawn Debose.

"Whatever You Do, Work At It With All Your Heart, As Working For The Lord."-Colossians 3:23 Clarence was gainfully employed at International Paper Company in Moss Point, MS for over 30 years. During his tenure, he worked in the finishing and shipping department, served as a General Mill Laborer, Machinist Apprentice, Maintenance Planning Analyst and Process Manager Maintenance. After the closing of International Paper Company in 2001, he became employed at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding were he excelled in supply chain management, later retiring in2012. After retiring and due to his love for children, Clarence made a wise and brave decision to return to the educational field, where he became a substitute teacher for Moss Point High School.

Throughout his life, Clarence had a great work of art about him and devoted much of his time to serving his community. He was a very active and faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church until his health began to decline. He served as Worship committee member, Usher, Sunday School Teacher, SPPRC chair, Choir member, Stewardship committee member, and a member and previous Recording Secretary of United Methodist Men. He was also the Superintendent of Sunday School at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in State Line, MS. Clarence also served as Recording Secretary for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated by way of the Gamma Mu Sigma Chapter and he was a member of the Phoenix Lodge #228 in Pascagoula, MS.

Clarence had a true passion for expressing his creativity and brilliance, which was beautifully reflected in his woodwork. As a result, CBD Designs, LLC was established. As an entrepreneur in the home remodeling industry, his vision and dedication transformed countless homes throughout the states of Mississippi and Alabama.

"A Time to Die" –Ecclesiastes 3:2-On Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, Clarence Bruce Debose transitioned from his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven. His untimely death has saddened everyone who knew him. His kindness, wisdom and quiet spirit touched the lives of all who loved and admired him, leaving behind a true legacy of craftsmanship.

He was preceded in death by two children, Conswella Danielle Debose and Clifford Bernard Debose, his parents, Clarence and Ora Lee Debose and one brother, Mitchell Debose.

"A Good Man Leaves An Inheritance"-Proverb 12:22- Clarence leaves to cherish his memory and legacy to a loving, devoted and caring wife Betty Jean Debose; one proud and supportive daughter, Ebonye' Dawn Debose- Moore (Leonard) Jackson, MS; three compassionate grandchildren Checorreye' Bernard Debose South Haven, MS, Iyah Danielle Moore and Ian Demond Moore Jackson, MS; siblings Arthur (Janice) Debose Moss Point, MS, Donnie (Margaret) Debose Mobile, AL, Brenda Debose-Mosley State Line, MS, Shirley Debose-Thompson Moss Point, MS, and Henry (Barbara) Debose Chester, VA, in-laws, Mona Debose (the late Mitchell Debose) Biloxi, MS, Mary (Robert) Smith Birmingham, AL, Christine Chapman State Line, MS, James L. Holcombe Fort Lauderdale, FL, Bernice (Clarence) Campbell Panama City, FL, Rose Taylor State Line, MS, Earnest (Sharon) Holcombe Fort Lauderdale, FL, Clifton (Doris) Holcombe Millry, AL and Freeman (Katie) Holcombe State Line, AL, a loyal and devoted nephew/godson; Sean (Letetia) Smith Moss Point, MS, several gracious friends, Jerry Ruffin, John Leverette, Herman Rose, Joan Walley, Dr. Auwilda Polk, Jennifer Garraway, Lorraine Byrd and Dennis and Kathy Walker . Special thanks to Reverend Steven Owens, the United Methodist Men and the United Methodist Women for your unwavering support and a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.