Clifford Lee Tarver

On the wings of the morning, Clifford Lee Tarver, boarded that ship of Zion on Friday, January 24, 2025.  Clifford passed suddenly during his sleep. Born in Warrenton, GA, Feb 9, 1958, Clifford was 66 years old.  Clifford was the first of two children reared by James and Katie Cox.

  
In 1959, at a young tender age, he and his parents relocated to Albany, New York by way of Catskill.  As a child he was given the nickname of “Click”, which he outgrew in middle school.  Clifford attended Albany Public Schools and graduated from Albany High School in 1977.  He later attended vocational training and earned a certificate of proficiency as an Electrician.  As a skilled craftsman, Clifford was handy with his hands.  Proficient in many areas to include carpentry, automotive mechanics and plumbing. He was employed by  Callahan Construction as a seasonal worker and was a blue collar worker in several factories, located in Rensselaer and Menands. 

In 1997, Clifford moved to Syracuse to be close to his sister.  He resided in Syracuse for five years and worked at Rayban Janitorial services during that period. He was a Self employed DJ under the handle of Mello C. Clifford was truly a Jack of all trades!  His skills were often used as he and PeeWee were often called upon to work on various carpentry jobs, installs, repairs and other odd jobs.  He was good at what he did!

Clifford was an avid sportsman!  He loved the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were his love.  It was a sport he shared with his dad and his bonus brothers. They would often go on weekend fishing and hunting trips.  Clifford loved the outdoors and taught his girls how to fish when they learned how to walk.  He also shared outdoor time with his mom gardening, planting and harvesting flowers and vegetables. 

Clifford married his sweetheart, Tamara Holland in 1988 and of that Union, three lovely girls, LaKisha, LaTeeka, LaMeeka aka the “La” Girls were born.  These girls were the apple of his eye.  And He was so proud they made him a grandfather and great grandfather.

He loved family and fellowship.  Whenever you went down to 102 Delaware Street, it was always an experience.  His favorite color was red and blue.  His favorite song was Amazing Grace and he held it in his heart.  He loved the family Christmas song and sang it loud and proud!   

At Bethany Baptist Church, Clifford sang in the Youth Choir and shared a baritone duet lead under the direction of Sister Evelyn Stone.  Walk around Heaven was one of his favs.
 
He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, LaKisha, LaTeeka and LaMeeka Tarver; his mom, Katie Mae Cox; sister, Marilyn “Peaches” Moore; grandchildren, Kyresha Parsons, Diamonte Nelson, Ahzamiah Smythe, Meleigha Anderson, L’asia Howard, Noelani Green; great grandchildren, Camiley Nelson, Noah, Semage, Sky, Semiya, Justin and Sevyn Ebron; Bonus siblings, Joe “Jaliek” Tarver, Elston Mackey, Eugene “PeeWee” Burgess, Darvin “Shot” Gross David “Born” and Jacqueline Tarver; Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and the extended Cox Family as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Clifford was predeceased by his Father, James Cox Sr.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Elijah Missionary Baptist Church, 95 Fourth Avenue, Albany NY 12202, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Calling hour will be held from 11am-12pm
Service starts at 12 Noon.  Rev. Dr. Richard D. Turpin, Officiating.

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