Category: Obituary: C

The Rev. James “Jim” R. Covington died on November 12, 2025, at the age of 83 (1942−2025).

Jim is survived by his wife, Suzanne Hall Covington; his daughters, Alexandra Coor and April Accomando; his son, Eric Covington; his grandchildren, Christina Watson, Matthew Accomando, Oliver Coor, Sophie Coor, and Graham Coor; as well as his great-grandchildren, Leddy and Wylder Watson.

A memorial service was held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley, 2021 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Suzanne Hall Covington, 251 Central Park West, #9d, New York NY 10024.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com. 

Donald Luke Chery, Jr., died June 28, 2025, in his home at 5202 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, surrounded by family and friends.

Don was born Sept. 16, 1937, in Denver CO to Donald L. Chery, Sr. and Beth Marcellus Chamberlain Chery. He grew up in Trinidad CO, and later in Tucson AZ. His BA degree was from the University of Arizona in Tucson and his PhD was from Utah State University in Logan.

He married his first wife, Marsha Parkinson, Nov. 20, 1963. They were divorced in 1976. He married his second wife, Rev. Virginia Luke, Sept. 17, 1995. Together they built their dream house on Bradley Boulevard.

Don was a hydrologist by training and a strong social justice advocate his entire life. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in water resources in Tucson and in Athens GA. Later he worked for Dames and Moore in Washington DC, and concluded his engineering career with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with 36 years of government service.

While in Tucson, Don was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Board, where a fellow member was a Unitarian Universalist minister. Later, in Athens, Don joined the UU Congregation and three years later was the chair of their board.

When he moved to Bethesda MD in 1980, he became a member of River Road UU Congregation (RRUUC). There he was on the board; was one of the planners for their Sunday forum called CC&C; was a youth advisor who took 40 youth in 1999 to The Hague Peace Conference, and youth delegations on immersion experiences to El Salvador for 17 years. He was a leader in the social justice programs at RRUUC, especially with the Latin America Taskforce. He was on the board of the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland and a member of the UU Social Justice Immigration Steering Committee. He was also a member of the UUA President’s Council.

Don has been active in the Maryland and U.S. Democratic parties. During elections, his yard has been full of signs supporting Democratic candidates. He often lobbied representatives and their staff at the Capitol. He also was a strong alumnae supporter of Utah State University, supporting its scholarship program.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends. One of his colleagues from the CoCoDA (Companion Community Development Alternatives) has said, “His life made deep and lasting impacts for good in this world.”

He left a loving wife Rev. Virginia Luke; son Anthony Chery; brother Allen Chery; sister Pamela Chery; grandchildren Nicholas Pryplesh, Alexander Chery, Alexandra Pryplesh and Morgan Chery, as well as many friends.

The Rev. Barbara J. Carlson died on January 28, 2025, at the age of 90 (1934-2025).

Barbara was born on April 17, 1934, in East Chicago IN to Russell Theodore Carlson, Sr., and Lova Kleckner Carlson. She attended North Central College in Naperville IL, graduating cum laude in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She continued her education at Louisiana State University, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1966. Barbara spent several years working as a social worker specializing in Child and Family welfare and teaching at the university level before answering her call to ministry.

In the 1970s, she discovered Unitarian Universalism—a serendipitous occasion that changed, enriched, and revolutionized her life. In 1978, she became a member of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge LA. She served the church in numerous roles, including Chair of the Membership Committee, member of the Ministerial Relations Committee, Delegate to the General Assembly, and Church President. During her years of service, she actively contributed to the congregation’s growth and vitality. It was in Baton Rouge that Barbara first felt the call to ministry. As she participated in social activities and committee work, she experienced the warmth of a caring community, and the delight of developing friendships with UUs of different ages, backgrounds, and theological positions. This transformative experience set her on the path to ministry where she sought to create a beloved community, nurture souls, and foster peace and justice in larger communities. In 1990, she received her Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry.

The Rev. Carlson was ordained on May 2, 1992, by the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland OH where she served as an associate minister from 1990–1993. Under her leadership, the Religious Education program flourished, growing both in size and depth to become one of the church’s strongest offerings. She worked closely with the committee members and helped develop a comprehensive adult education program that addressed a wide range of interests across the congregation. The Rev. Carlson ministered in a very caring and loving way and played a vital role in the church’s healing process. Her guidance and positive influence helped strengthen the church laying a foundation for a better future.

In 1993, she accepted a call from the UU Church of Bloomington IN. She served the Bloomington church until her retirement in 2005. Under her leadership, the order of service became an art form—a more consistent, organic expression of worship, seamlessly integrating music, readings, and other spiritual elements. Her ministry was characterized by her spiritual guidance, her ability to foster a sense of community within both the congregation and the larger Bloomington area, and her steady leadership during times of dynamic change. She also created one of the earliest examples of co-ministry (not by married spouses), inviting both the Rev. Mary Ann Macklin and the Rev. Bill Breeden to join her in a triumvirate co-ministry team. Upon her retirement in 2005, the church honored her as their minister emerita.

The Rev. Carlson had an excellent capacity to relate to individuals and groups, marked by her sensitivity to the feelings and behavior of others. She could empathize with others without losing a sense of her own identity and her creativity in building human relationships. Beyond her ministry, she demonstrated outstanding concern and involvement in community issues and provided leadership in social action. She served as chair of the Committee on Personnel and Work Incentive for the Louisiana Child Protection Task Force. She contributed as a member of the River Region Mental Health Review Team.

Barbara had a wide range of passions and interests that informed her ministry and personal life. She was devoted to ecological issues and the future well-being of our planet. Her interests included the arts (visual, music, dance, theatre, literature, drama) and travel.

Barbara is survived by her husband John Crosby; daughters Laurel C. Roberts (Jim) and Dawn C. Ross; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Two memorial services were planned, one in Baton Rouge LA, and the other in Bloomington IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, 8470 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge LA 70806; or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to:

• John Crosby, 800 Bell Trace Circle #257, Bloomington IN 47408
• Laurel and Jim Roberts, 10635 Oakley Trace Dr. Baton Rouge LA 70809
• Dawn Ross, 9324 Pine Cone Court, Baton Rouge LA 70809

Donna E. Clifford, 76, died Nov. 25, 2024, at her home in Woburn MA, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was the spouse/beloved life partner of the late Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson.

Donna was born in Stoughton MA, Dec. 22, 1947. She was the daughter of Ward and Barbara (Batchelder) Clifford. She graduated from Stoughton High School in 1965 and received a B.A. in Philosophy from UMass Amherst in 1970. Donna was a longtime member of the Melrose MA, Unitarian Universalist Church. She was very active in many UU organizations over the years.

Donna and Dorothy shared over 30 happy years together and were legally married in June 2004. They traveled to many places before Dorothy’s sudden passing in May 2019.

Donna worked as a professional financial advisor specializing in socially responsible investments at the company she founded, Rainbow Investment Solutions. She was affiliated with many organizations, including Zonta Club of Medford, Medford Arts Council, NAACP, MUUA and many others.

Donna loved to travel, especially to Provincetown MA, Sedona AZ and Hawaii. She recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy. Her hobbies included photography, hiking, writing poetry, music, reading and art. She loved spending time with her family and many friends and was loved dearly.

Donna is survived by her son, Damian Elrod (Susan) of Michigan, and grandson, Zade Elrod of Michigan. She is survived by siblings: Judy Barrette of Norton MA; Diane (Rich) Rodriguez of Santa Barbara CA; Janet (John) Fahey of Stoughton MA; Joan (Peter) Ouellet of Mashpee MA; Ward (Kristina) Clifford of Hull MA; and Sherri (Kevin) Stone of Bourne MA; as well as many nieces, nephews, uncle and aunt, cousins, dear friends and colleagues. Besides her wife and parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Robert Barrette.

A Celebration of Life was held Jan. 18, 2025, at the Melrose UU Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at BIDMC.org; or Melrose UU Church (please make checks to Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church with “in honor of Donna Clifford” on the memo line, 70 West Emerson Street, Melrose MA 02176). 

The Rev. Dr. Frank W. Carpenter died on July 4, 2024, at the age of 81 (1943-2024).

Frank is survived by his partner Jacqueline Rousseau; his son William Carpenter; and granddaughter Elleanora Carpenter.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, 536 Linton St, Cincinnati OH 45219.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation <https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout>. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Jacqueline Rousseau, 4640 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45223.

A more complete A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.  will follow.

The Rev. Dr. Arthur “Art” E. Curtis died on June 8, 2024, at the age of 90 (1934-2024).

Art was born on May 11, 1934, in Oneonta NY, to Elbert Lewis Beers Curtis and Catharine Simon Curtis. He grew up in a family that encouraged curiosity about the human and natural worlds and fostered a strong love of learning. Art received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Swarthmore College PA in 1955. He then traveled widely, participated in cultural immersion programs in Europe and the Middle East, and spent three years teaching at the International College in Beirut, Lebanon. 

After Beirut, he pursued studies in modern European History, earning a Master of Arts from Cornell University NY in 1964. He taught college-level courses afterward and worked as an assistant professor in the Social Science Department of Eastern Kentucky University (1967–1968, 1969–1972). In 1971, he earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oregon. From 1972–1979, he worked as an executive director for the Humanities Council, Lexington KY.

In 1974, Art discovered the UU movement in Lexington KY, and quickly became active in the lay-led church there. He took on various leadership roles, serving as board chair, search committee chair, president of the district, and president of the local ACLU chapter. His experience leading the congregation without a minister led him to consider ministry. For him, being in ministry would give him an opportunity and a base for civic involvement and community service. In pursuit of this calling, he enrolled at Meadville Lombard Theological School, and graduated with his Master of Divinity in 1984.

The Rev. Dr. Curtis was ordained on March 25, 1984, by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington KY. Following ordination, from 1984–1987, he served as an extension minister for the Auburn UU Fellowship and the UU Fellowship of Montgomery, both in Alabama. He then served as an interim minister at the UU Church of the Palouse, Moscow ID (1987–1988) and the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon, SK, Canada (1988–1989). In 1989, the Rev. Dr. Curtis accepted a call from the Anchorage UU Fellowship AK where he would serve until 2001. During his time, the fellowship experienced significant growth and transitioned from the historic Log Cabin Church to its current location on Turnagain Street. Upon his retirement in 2001, the Anchorage UU Fellowship honored him by conferring the title of minister emeritus.

The Rev. Dr. Curtis was a dynamic and thoughtful leader who quickly adapted to the needs of the congregation. He familiarized himself with the church and congregation and was a warm, sympathetic, and caring human being who was always available when needed. Pastoral ministry was his strongest suit. Beyond his congregation, he served the denomination as a member of the UUMA. In 1988, he shared his passion for environmental reverence by leading a workshop on “Gaia: Reverence for the Earth” at the Pacific NW District Annual Meeting.

Art had aesthetic sensitivity combined with a high level of social concern. He was also very sensitive to ethical imperatives for justice and peace in the world and placed his commitment into action. He emphasized an affirmation of life values. From 1972–1979, he served as vice-chair, chair, and secretary for the Central Kentucky Civil Liberties Union. He played a pivotal role in helping the National Interreligious Commission on Civil Rights organize a hearing in Montgomery on civil rights in Alabama and went on to serve as its first secretary (1986–1987). He also volunteered at the AIDS-Saskatoon (hotline) and at Crocus Coop (talking with mental health patients who used it as a social center).

In his leisure time, he found joy in outdoor activities including jogging, hiking, skiing, ice skating, swimming, and tennis, and aesthetic pursuits including ballroom dancing, singing in choral groups, playing violin, reading, and writing poetry, and immersing himself in art books. 

His wife Susan shared: “Music was his special love despite being born with an inherited hearing loss. For many years he was able to enjoy his music with the help of a hearing aid. Later, however, he realized he could no longer hear well enough to stay in pitch, so he donated his prized violin to a young violin student. Later still, at the age of 78, he had surgery that enabled him to hear certain voices with a cochlear processor, but music less well.  

“Fortunately, he still had the out-of-doors, the night sky, his many friendships, visits with family members, and poetry and art to sustain him. He especially loved sharing poems he had collected over the years. Favorite poems included “Fern Hill” by Dylan Thomas, “Sunday Morning” by Wallace Stevens, “Little Elegy with Books and Beasts” by Nancy Willard, and “Wolf Moon” by Mary Oliver.  He also took pleasure in studying closely the paintings of the Flemish masters.  He was truly his own Renaissance man!”  

Art is survived by his wife Susan Lyden; sister Emily Mandelbaum; sister-in-law Ellen Curtis; nieces Ruth and Audrey Mandelbaum, and Erica and Brenda Curtis; nephew Rodney Curtis; five grandnephews; two grandnieces; as well as three first cousins Jim, Anne, and Tom Conway. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Curtis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Anne Elizabeth Torrison Clarke, 92, of Sister Bay WI, passed away Sept. 28, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society—Scandia Village in Sister Bay.

She was born Nov. 25, 1930, in Chicago IL, the daughter of Osuld and Marie (Schulz) Torrison and graduated from New Trier High School. She attended Vassar College (NY) and George Mason University (VA), earning a B.A. In 1951, she married Robert Clarke. 

Rev. Clarke was ordained in 1964 and Anne followed him to UU churches in Exeter NH; Arlington VA; Dallas TX; Mequon WI; and Cincinnati OH, where he was named Minister Emeritus. In 1992, Anne and Bob moved to Sister Bay, where they had spent summers for many years.

Anne was a member of PEO Wisconsin (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and was instrumental in spearheading the project to build the new Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library building, overseeing the money-raising efforts to completion. In 1996, Anne and Bob, by then retired, helped found the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County in Sister Bay.

Anne will be missed by daughter, Betsy Clarke of Columbus OH; son, Jim Clarke of Ellison Bay WI; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2013; her parents; and her sister, Mary.

Anne’s life will be honored with a memorial service at Scandia Village in Sister Bay, tentatively planned for November 2023. She will be laid to rest in Little Sister Cemetery in Sister Bay WI.

Lorraine Colpitts died on January 16, 2023 at the age of 99.  She is survived by by her sons and their spouses: Jon and Jeanne, David and Julie; her granddaughters and their spouses: Kate and Dustin, Megan and Luis; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, the Rev. Horace (Hank) Colpitts; and her sister, Nadine

Notes of condolence can be sent to Jon Colpitts, jon.colpitts@icloud.com. A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.  

The Rev. Dr. Bruce C. Clear died on October 9, 2022, at the age of 72.

Bruce was born on June 9, 1950, in Anderson IN, to Dr. Val B. Clear and Evelyn R. Clear. He was raised in a devoutly Christian family which regularly attended the Church of God (Anderson IN). As a youth, Bruce felt at home in the church and fully expected that the church would become a major part of his life. He was always interested in religion and missionaries. Over time, he grew apart intellectually and doctrinally from the church he was raised. When he went to college, he discovered a Unitarian Universalist church. This discovery made him feel that he could reclaim his childhood and youthful devotion feeling religiously and intellectually at home.

In 1972, Bruce graduated from Anderson College, IN with a double major in political science and history following which he received his Master of Arts in Political Science (1974) from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. From 1974 to 1979, he worked for the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, doing research for the Congregational Research Service and then as a Public Information Specialist for the U.S Copyright Office. 

After his work at the Library of Congress, Bruce developed a desire to work closely with people in a religious setting and decided to devote his life to liberal religion in the form of the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Following this call, he earned his Master of Arts in Religion from the University of Chicago in 1981 and a Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1983.

Rev. Dr. Clear was ordained jointly by the Michael Servetus Fellowship of Vancouver (now the UU Church of Vancouver) WA, and the Eastrose Fellowship of Portland OR on November 26, 1983. He served as an extension minister to his ordaining congregations from 1983 to 1986. (Neither had ever had a minister in their 30 year histories.) 

Rev. Clear served three-quarter time in Vancouver and a quarter time at Eastrose. He knew both congregations well, was caring and understanding, and especially supportive of people in crisis. By the end of his three-year commitment, Vancouver nearly doubled in size, and Eastrose had a half-time minister. In 1986, Vancouver called him to a full-time ministry. Under his ministry, the congregation grew rapidly, eventually leading to a new church building. 

In 1993, he accepted a call from All Souls Unitarian Church, Indianapolis IN, where he served until 2011. During his tenure, he helped with the Welcoming Congregation process and Green Sanctuary certification. He also strongly supported the music program.

Rev. Dr. Clear was a highly motivated minister who had a natural leadership ability that could be felt. He established a feeling of at-homeness among members and prospective members of the congregation. He could relate well to a diversity of people. His sermons challenged the members, individually and collectively, to reflect consciously on their lives.

Rev. Dr. Bruce’s denominational work included serving on the Executive Board of the UU Ministers Association (1991–1993). He taught at the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) Leadership School, including two Advanced Schools (Worship and Congregation as Family Systems) and three years of Basic School. He was Good Offices Person for the PNWD UU Ministers Association and served as “minister to ministers” in difficult times. He was invited to preach at the 1991 PNWD Annual Meeting in Kelowna BC.

He wrote on issues such as censorship in schools, religion and state, Nicaragua, free speech, and reproductive rights. The UUA Department of Ministry published his essay on church conflict, “What I Have Learned about Churches and Ministers as Good Offices Person.”

In addition to his ministry and denominational services, Bruce was an outspoken community advocate for progressive and humanitarian causes. He served as a secretary of the Vancouver Association of Churches (1988–91) and as President of the Southwest Washington American Civil Liberties Union (1989–1991). In his leisure time, he enjoyed skiing, playing guitar, and learning about and listening to music. He also loved traveling and had a deep interest in other cultures.

Bruce is survived by his spouse Nancy Renner; brothers, Scott Clear and Todd Clear; son Cameron Clear; stepdaughter Carly Wise; and stepsons: Edward Kennedy, Gregory Kennedy, and Shane Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter Kelsey Kennedy.

A memorial service was held on October 15, 2022, at the Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1515 Trumble Creek Rd, Kalispell MT 59901. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Trinity Haven. Notes of condolences can be written to Cameron Clear: cameronclear@yahoo.com.