Service Announcements

Mrs. Thelma Clinton Todd was born in Gastonia, NC, on January 2, 1930, to the late Howard and Shelton Avery Clinton and was the oldest of twelve children.  She departed this life on Sunday, November 18, 2018, in Charlotte, NC, where she had made her home for the last 68 years.

Mrs. Todd attended public schools in Gastonia, graduating from Highland High School in 1950.  She was an outstanding student with a vivacious demeanor and outgoing spirit, who participated in many academic and extra-curricular activities, including being a member of the cheerleading squad and school choir. After graduation from high school, she married the love of her life, Maurice Ludwig Todd, Sr. (deceased), an Army veteran and Johnson C. Smith University student who had taught at her high school. The young couple then moved to Charlotte. This union bore eight children – five boys and three girls.

She was later employed at several of Charlotte’s well-known companies, including Lance Packing Company (now Snyder’s Lance), where she displayed courage and civil rights advocacy by refusing to use the colored only restroom. Instead she elected to use the restroom closest to her, which was for white’s only. Her actions lead to the total integration of employee restrooms. She later joined NationsBank (now Bank of America) where she worked for 34 years before retiring.

Mrs. Todd received Christ at an early age, first joining Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Gastonia. When she moved to Charlotte, she continued her work for Christ by joining Macedonia Baptist Church of Charlotte where she served diligently for over 40 years. During her time there, she participated in numerous church ministries. She served as a Sunday school teacher, sang on the musical choir and served on the Pastor’s Aide Ministry. She later became a member of Faith Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte, where she continued her work for the Lord. Her fundamental belief was that if you encounter someone who is in need, you have a moral obligation to help them. She practiced this belief throughout her life, often spending time visiting and ministering to the sick and shut-in as a member of her church.

Well-known for her involvement in her community, she was a diligent volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, and political endeavors in Charlotte. She was also a member of the Ramses Court No. 78.

Mrs. Todd was a world traveler, having visited Germany, Spain, Morocco and Ghana. She was also a fan of the theater, frequently visiting New York City to attend musicals and plays on Broadway. Her love for fashion was apparent in her dress and especially in her love for Sunday church hats. Each Sunday, Mrs. Todd would wear a unique and distinguishable hat for church service, a tradition dating back to her time as a little girl.

Mrs. Todd was a devoted and faithful friend to the many people she met throughout her life. Her Sunday dinners were legendary, with her famous blackberry cobbler, sweet potato pies, smothered chicken, cornbread, and stewed okra, that filled stomachs and souls. And true to her love for others, there was always an extra plate for a friend or stranger who happened by.

Her deepest love and trust were given to her family as a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by eight younger siblings. Mrs. Todd was married to the late Mr. Todd, Sr. for 50 years prior to his homegoing in the year 2000. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her eight devoted children: Maurice Todd, Jr. (Brenda) of Durham, NC; the Hon. T. Michael Todd of Charlotte, NC; Marie Todd-Turner (William) of Suwanee, GA; Milton Todd of Charlotte, NC; Melvin Todd, Sr. (Carolyn) of Midlothian, VA; Veronica Carter (Erwin) of Greenville, SC; Valerie Todd of Sandy Springs, GA; and Mark Todd of Charlotte, NC; three treasured brothers: Bobby Clinton (Joyce) of Baltimore, MD; Ronald Clinton (Darlene) of Baltimore, MD; and Donald Clinton (Elaine) of Baltimore, MD; ten beloved grandchildren: Marshall Todd (Jade); Guila Todd; Melvin Todd, Jr.; Lambert Guinn (Robyn); Bridget Todd; Malory Todd; Amoura Carter; Bianca Walker (Julian); Avery Carter; and, Linden Guinn; five much loved great-grandchildren; and, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mrs. Todd’s homegoing service will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at St. Paul Baptist Church located at 1401 Allen Street, Charlotte, NC 28205. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a quiet hour at 11:00 a.m. and the homegoing service at 12:00 p.m. In honor of Mrs. Todd’s love for Sunday church hats, the family requests that all women attending the homegoing service wear their best Sunday church hat. The family will be accepting guests at 1711 Washington Ave., Charlotte, NC, 28216. Flowers may be sent to Long & Son Mortuary Service located at 2312 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216.

615 Oaklawn Ave. Caharlotte, NC 28216