Pastor Lv Cliff

We bid farewell to Superintendent Emeritus, Pastor LV Cliff, of Galesburg, Illinois who departed from this world on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the age of 85 at Marigold Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg, Illinois. A pillar of strength and a beacon of love, his absence leaves a void in our hearts.

LV was born in Brownsville, Tennessee on September 2, 1938, the son of Annie D. (Palmer) and Charlie L. Cliff. He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1956 and later married Susie Mae Huffman on January 1, 1960, in Cambridge, Illinois.

LV is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susie; six daughters, Rose Cliff-Olsen of Phoenix, Arizona, Barbara (Kelvin) Burnett of Fishers, Indiana, Dorothy (Jodi) Crowell of Lincoln, Illinois, Gloria Cliff of Galesburg, Elvie”Lorraine” Cliff of Galesburg, and Theresa (Andrzej) Dziech of Chicago’ 15 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and two sisters, Estelle Smith and JoAnne Taylor both of Chicago. Along with his parents, LV was preceded in death by an infant son, LV Cliff, Jr.; and two brothers, Dannie Lee Olden and Claudis (Juno).

LV worked as a machinist at International Harvester in East Moline, Illinois for 32 years. During his time working, LV served as a union steward for UAW Local 1304. In 1969, LV became the Pastor of Community Temple Church of God in Christ in Kewanee where he remained until 1987. At that time, the family moved to Galesburg, where he opened Community Temple Church of God in Christ. He remained Pastor until he was named Pastor Emeritus in 2019. In 1996 Pastor Cliff was named Superintendent for the New Life District, remaining in that position until his retirement.

While in high school, LV was an accomplished athlete, excelling in football and basketball. He was a jack of all trade and the definition of a handyman. He could fix or repair anything, building the family home in Kewanee. He was a skilled automotive mechanic, having repaired or replaced about everything in a car. In his free time, he loved to go fishing and watching westerns on television. He was faithful to God and was a true family man always making sure everyone was taken care of.

To commemorate his remarkable life and the memories we cherish, visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 30 at Community Temple Church of God in Christ, 2231 Windish Dr., Galesburg, Illinois. Homegoing Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 N. Academy St., Galesburg, IL. Bishop Edwin M. Walker will officiate. Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to his church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.