Clarence Franklin Mansfield

Clarence Franklin "Frank" Mansfield, 85, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at White Oak Manor of Charlotte.

Frank – or Frankie if you knew him before he went to college – was born September 10, 1940, in Burlington, North Carolina, to the late Sherwood Ross "Shinny" and Lavona Hinshaw Mansfield. He graduated from Walter M. Williams High School in 1958. He attended the University of North Carolina, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. He later obtained his Master of Education degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1972.

Frank spent his career attempting to improve the lives of others. He started that journey as a counselor at the Randolph Clinic. Afterward, Frank spent many years as the vice president of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont where he oversaw their vocational rehabilitation program. He worked as the executive director of the George Shinn Men's Shelter, later known as the Uptown Men's Shelter. He later worked for the Charlotte Housing Authority and St. Peter's Homes (McCreesh Place).

His portrayal of Santa Claus after his hair turned white was a source of joy to him and others. In addition to the life-like appearance, it was a way for him to express his love and concern for all people.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth "Liz" Ranson Mansfield. He is survived by his brother Phil (Shannon) Mansfield of Wilmington, NC, and his children, Carlton (Alicia) Mansfield of Pembroke, NC, Kenneth Mansfield of Winchester, KY, Mary Mansfield of Rock Hill, SC, and Hope Mansfield (Jeffery Klumpp) of Charlotte, NC, as well as his grandchildren, Emmaline (Cameron) Mathis and Lydia Mansfield of Pembroke, NC, Alice White of St. Francis, WI, Theodore and Oliver Mansfield of Winchester, KY, and Elliott Klumpp of Charlotte, NC, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service for Frank Mansfield will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC.

The family would love to collect stories and memories of Frank. Please feel free to email RememberingFrankMansfield@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Way of Greater Charlotte or the Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte.

United Way of Greater Charlotte sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/united-way-greater-charlotte 601 E. 5th StreetSuite 350Charlotte, NC 28202

The Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte www.gmccharlotte.org/donate Checks can be made payable to: The Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte PO Box 560661 Charlotte, NC 28256-0661