Cledus Harris Paskins

Cledus Harris Paskins, son of Clara L. Harris Paskins and the late Earl Paskins, was born February 25, 1953, in Camden, Delaware. He passed away peacefully at home in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on December 30, 2018, at the age of 65. Cledus was reared in Star Hill, Kent County, Delaware with grandparents, many relatives, mentors and childhood friends. He was known by his childhood nickname, “Chummy,” and later as “Clete”. Cledus received his primary education at Star Hill Elementary School, Caesar Rodney Middle School and Caesar Rodney High School, from which he graduated in 1972. Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Army as a career soldier. SSG Paskins attended many Professional Development Military classes and highly specialized trainings and received numerous citations, accolades and awards throughout his career. Some acknowledgements included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. Notably, he served during the Vietnam War Era, Grenada Invasion and Operation Just Cause campaigns. After having served 20 years of dedicated Military service, Cledus retired with an honorable discharge in 1995. Following an illustrious military career, Cledus began a new career as a Professional Youth Development Team Leader with ABRAXAS, to mentor and train challenged youth. For 22 years he loved this job and remained employed throughout his health challenge. There is no doubt that his positive influence helped to change and transform the lives of those to whom he was entrusted. In April 29, 2000, Cledus and Maudessa Selvy were united in holy matrimony. Maudessa faithfully stood by his side in sickness and in health throughout their 22 years. Through their union, Cledus gained three sons and a daughter, whom he loved as his own: Avery, Naji, Jeremiah and Sarah and 16 grandchildren. Cledus meant so much to so many: as a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, a friend and leader of the Harris family. Like a good soldier, he fought a hard and courageous battle, exemplifying great strength, dignity and determination. Cledus continued all of his duties as a husband, son, father, brother and friend to the end. Even in his fight, he stayed loyal and strong, not only as a military soldier, but also as a soldier of the Lord. He was always his true self who knew what he wanted and believed about life, and that is the way he lived. It was God who gave him all his strength to be who he was “CLEDUS”. His attitude was “the Lord’s will be done, I am at peace until the Lord calls me home.” Cledus was preceded in death by his father, Earl Paskins; grandfather, Linford Harris; grandmother, Martha G. Harris; brothers, Earl L. Paskins, William E. Paskins, and Robert L. Alexander; and sister, Charlotte E. Davis. Left to cherish the memories of a life well-lived, his loving wife, Maudessa A. Paskins; children, Avery, Naji, Jeremiah and Sarah; 16 Grandchildren; mother, Clara L. Paskins; sisters, Martha A. Paskins, Barbara J. Taylor (William Taylor) and Carol L. Bynum (Leon Bynum); his only uncle, Kenneth Council,; father-in-law, Robert K. Selvey, Sr.; brother-in-law, Robert K. Selvey, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Darlene L. Burke, Aaisha Selvey (Hasid) and Judith B. Selvey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends. Cledus was dedicated to all his family. While we deeply mourn the loss of Cledus, another leaf that’s fallen from the family tree, we thank God for having given him to us, for the time chosen. Our hearts are heavy now, but we will rejoice that he is with the God he loved. Each of us will remember Cledus-Chummy-Clete, in our own special way. Our shared experiences with him, from childhood to adulthood will forever be imprinted upon our hearts, through which, his legacy lives on. Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family of Cledus H. Paskins

Cledus Harris Paskins

February 25, 1953 - December 30, 2018