Memories – Letters & Messages

Letters & Messages

17 December 2022

Happy Birthday Clement!!!

To the LOVE of my life, how do I put into words how your presence in my life has led to the most wonderful adventure ever .

Alexia Fugh

Like the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, I cannot imagine what my life would have been if we had never met!

“We have been blessed with an opportunity that few people ever get on this earth . God has blessed us to share time and space with the one person that He, Himself, designed just for us! We’ve not only been BLESSED – but we have been highly favored!” **

We are true soulmates . We have been there for each other – through good times and rough times – when no one else was there! We have had wonderful, life changing experiences in our lives together .

We have had the joy of bringing new lives into the world and being the proud parents for two of the most talented, smart and, unique individuals: Marcia Dionne and Joseph Edward . We have experienced the loss of parents, close relatives, close friends, and the heartbreaking loss of our son! We have stayed together, faced the world together, and trusted in God’s plan for our lives . And, He continues to strengthen us and give us joy and blessings!

You constantly show how much you love and care for our family . You have never thought it robbery to let me or the children shine . You have made sure that we have some of the things we wanted to be happy . You have seen to it that we have had decent homes, food on the table, clothes on our backs, bills paid, etc .

You provided everything our children needed from pre-school, elementary school, middle school, high school, and college . You saw to it that we fulfilled some of our dreams – going to school, getting through every school stage of our children, and our children going to college and/or trade school . You helped me to fulfill my dream of becoming a registered nurse, obtain my bachelor’s degree, and even further gain certifications in various areas of nursing .

You did all these things and still furthered your education by your prayers and a steadfast trust and faith in God! Our family has been wonderfully BLESSED by God through you!

As partners in ministry, we have helped others along life’s path . Along the way, we have met some wonderful people that God has allowed into our lives . Ministry is your calling and easy for you . Through my relationship with you, ministry has exposed me to experiences and moments of spiritual clarity . Those moments have been truly amazing in my walk with God! I thank God for your trust and devotion to God, which led me to learn to experience God in my own life!

Clement, there is so much more I could say about the wonderful blessing you have been to me .

“I carry you in my spirit . I pray for you more than I pray for myself . I think about you more than you will ever know – and your smile, when you smile, my world is alright!” **

So, here’s to the wonderful life that we share! Here’s to the happiest of birthday wishes for a fantabulous 75th birthday and for many more birthdays to come!

To the man of my dreams and the Love of My Life – I THANK GOD FOR YOU!

** These quotes came from two of Tyler Perry’s movies: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) and Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)

Allen Williams

With great relationships comes great fellowship .

Whether it was talking about a doctoral dissertation in the airport so many years ago and really developing a relationship or at every major meeting after that, no matter how busy the General Secretary was, you always took time to pause and ask with a great smile, Allen how you doing? I fondly recall sipping on a Franciscan Chardonnay in the early days in Memphis, Tennessee while talking about the future and how we would get a chance to enjoy it together . And when the future became today how blessed I was to get to really know Bishop “CW,” presiding prelate or just simply friend .

I will always think about smile and treasure some of our shared special moments – eating crab, noodles, vegan spring rolls, and then waiting on a wonderful port to sip on after dinner; or a delightful visit at the residence either in Marina del Rey or in Franklin . Great fellowship has always been the theme . I noted the great care about family and an appreciation of the little things that make family fun and special – grandkids, young adult kids, honey dos, wonderful chitterlings, “fired” cooks and funny comments like, “Allen I’m just trying to save your marriage .” These are all part of a special relationship I’m blessed to have with one Bishop and friend, Clement W Fugh .

Dr. Allen Williams and Dr. Marche’ta Williams

I’ve been telling you for the last two years that I would likely never again find this kind of relationship with my current Bishop and you always tell me “Allen you’ve got to have hope .” Well, it’s funny that today as I write this, I’m preparing a sermon, entitled “ How to have hope when you’re not hopeful” (smile) .

Well, I guess this all means that I’ll have to be sure to make some trips to Franklin so we can laugh some more, you can continue to remind me why I fired my cook, and we can finish it all with a ribeye, a great red wine, and a port to savor .

Thank you for your realness, your care, your fun, and your leadership .

Sincerely,

Allen Williams

Your friend and Brother

Dear Clem W,

Alvin Fugh

The bond we share is really special . Like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one . We know we are always there for each other no matter what . At a glimpse and looking back at life, Hebrews 12:14-15 comes to mind because you worked at living in peace with everyone, and worked at living a holy life .

We were born into a family of ten with little resources; into a time when Jim Crow was very much alive; into a school system where used books were passed down from White to Black schools; and into a job market where fifty cents was the minimum hourly wage . Yet, my eyes were always upon you as you demonstrated that neither your past nor circumstances dictate your future .

Your profession is teaching and preaching the word of God . Like Jeremiah, the Word is like fire burning in your heart . You started telling of God’s grace and preaching as a teen . We would follow you throughout Tennessee to hear what thus said the Lord from our brother . We would hear sermons such as, “The Human Body Composition is about .35 Cents,” “When All Hell Is Breaking Lose You Must Be Doing Something Right,” or “Storms” – just to mention a few .

How did you impact my life? Well brother, it was not necessarily by what you said but the way you carried yourself . As a younger brother, I observed your persona and how you looked after each of us so that we may receive God’s grace while guiding us from the poisonous root . I observed your kindness, compassion, generosity, patience, work ethic, and love for family and God . I observed you and I observed God’s favor over you, over us .

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You impacted my life by setting the examples that I might emulate the God in you . You exemplified that our future is not dictated by our past but only by God . Oh yes, you taught me that there were two sets of brakes on a car .

Clem W, I pray much joy, great healthy and abundant love be yours . Happy Birthday

Alvin

Dear C .W .,

Delois Lewis

You have aged to perfection and deserve to be celebrated on your 75th Birthday! I am so proud to be your sister and honored to write this letter because you have reached for the stars and touched the hand of God . As a result, you have achieved many accomplishments and blessed so many people – especially my life .

Psalms 133 reminds me of how good and pleasant it is when we come together in unity . We didn’t have much when we were growing up, but we were all together with our parents and eight siblings . As one of only two girls around so many boys, I admired you because you were smart, focused, loving, caring, and generous to everybody . You became my role model .

As time passed, my admiration for you grew when you practiced what you preached . I observed your study habits when we were at Memphis State University and enjoyed studying with you at home . I was also blessed when you started preaching and encouraged us to practice the spiritual disciplines . That gave me a spiritual foundation of fasting and praying . Little did I know I needed to be spiritually grounded when I made the move from Memphis to Atlanta . Jesus (Emmanuel) was with me as I started another chapter in my life, and you moved on to become Bishop of the A .M .E . Church .

As a result of your achievements, a doctorate degree and becoming Bishop, you established a legacy of higher learning, good work ethics and love for God and others . In all that you do, you have always exemplified Matthew 22:37-39 .

My heart overflows with gratitude today with the love of family and the bond we share . God has enlarged our family tree and positioned you in Nashville with your beautiful family . You have always been the bond that holds us together, and we listen to you when you speak .

I thank God for you and love you for making a positive impact in my life . I look forward to future celebrations . I know Mama and Joe are smiling from heaven!

Happy Birthday, God Blessings, and Love,

Delois

Donald Fugh

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BROTHER!

I have too many memories to funnel down to the recommended word count, but I will try .

Chronologically, from the time: you carried me daily in my plaster body cast at 18 months, to taking me to the Neighborhood Center, to letting me play with your wooden tennis racquet, to allowing me to ride with you to the back roads of west Tennessee when you began preaching, to teaching me to drive, to buying my class ring, to letting me borrow your new blue Malibu for Prom, to agreeing to be the first Black commencement speaker at Frayser High

School (a 90% White school at the time), to offering me a scholarship in Boston, to being my pastor at New Tyler (telling me to take some of my ideas “to the streets”), to being a groomsman in your wedding, to you becoming my pastor again at Bethel, where I was the “1st Brother,” to leading a unity march in Pulaski Tennessee (the birthplace of the KKK), to feeding us at your house in Brentwood and feeding us well spiritually every Sunday, to sharing Joseph’s football game times (so I could root for the “Big Cat” aka Glass Joe!), to being on the Bethel Trustee Board when the new church structure was built, to campaigning for your run for Bishop, and chanting “The Work is All

Devine” and “Many are Called But Fugh is Chosen” as we entered, to introducing me as your brother and stating, “That’s how you looked when you were tall and thin” (now they ask me, which of us is older?), to inviting our family to share as you presided as President of the Council of Bishops, to the many family gatherings, dinners, and celebrations throughout the years .

As we recently celebrated your 75th Birthday, you continue to be a pathfinder and trailblazer for me and those you encounter .

I’d like to revisit and highlight a couple of my memories . I have to start with you carrying me in that plaster cast . It’s kind of hard to be a cool teenager while carrying your baby brother in a plaster body cast with “strategic” holes cut in it! But you did and so, thank you .

Next, I guess I have a face that morphs into whichever black male is popular at the time . In my thinner days, I was told that I looked like President Obama . I’ve also been mistaken for a member of the royal family in the Bahamas . In my fitter days, I was told that I resemble Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson .

While we were campaigning for you in Nashville for Bishop, we returned to your house and were sitting outside in your courtyard . Joseph and a couple of his friends were there . Joseph introduced me to them . Immediately, one of his friends exclaimed, “I saw a dude at the hotel and thought, ‘Damn! Joe’s pops looks big as hell in a suit!’” That was one of my favorite memories from that celebration! It makes me smile whenever I reminisce about it .

It’s not only that I resembled you physically, because we know you’re a handsome fellow, but when people see you, they can’t help but see the God in you! So, when Joseph’s friend stated that he thought I was you, it means that I have learned a bit from you - like, how to be family, how to behave with dignity and decorum, and how to see the good and the God in everyone I encounter .

I think I’m past my allotted word count but, wanted to say thank you for being a tangible example of God’s word and love!

I love you, my Brother! I pray that God continues to bless us all, now and forever .

Donald

Dear Clement:

Gwendolyn Fugh Dillihunt

The thought of sharing with you in this letter is an honor, simply because it’s something that I had thought about doing a couple of years ago . Little did I know that sharing many weekends at 733 Tillman Street would be the piece that would bring us together for a lifetime .

Allowing me to call you my brother has been a joy, not because you are a Bishop, but because of all the love you have always shown me .

I remember going to your first church in Lucy, Tennessee . I also remember the day you took Uristiss home and she shook your hand and joined your church while sitting in your car .

Watching you work so hard at each of your appointments has been wonderful .

Meeting and marrying Alexia was also a blessing not just to you, but It allowed me the opportunity to gain another sister and friend . Having Marcia and Joseph allowed me the privilege to share in their lives as well . I still have the text message in my phone from when Joseph texted me and said, “I love you . ”

I am not sure if you realized it or not, but Aunt Alma and Uncle C .W . were always so proud of you . I remember Uncle C .W . said to someone one day that “Alma will fuss, but sometimes I think she would rather have Mrs . Fugh, Gwen, and Little C .W . here rather than me .” Alma, however, always said that Uncle C .W . never complained about either of the three of us being there . I also remember Vera saying, “It’s not that Alma doesn’t want you to do things in this church, it’s just that she doesn’t want this church to hurt either of you . ”

Today, I would like to wish you again a very Happy Birthday and a very Merry Christmas . My sincere wish for you is that your latter years will be bright and filled with love, joy, and peace .

Your other sister

Gwen

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker

Connected via the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and as a focused lay woman who celebrates the heart, soul and integrity of our church’s leadership, it is refreshing to write about Clement Willie Fugh – the son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandpa to some…friend, boss, servant leader, and colleague to others… . and good human being all around . It is especially encouraging to remember his walk over the years, to have worked with him in situations where exercising integrity was considered fool-hearty . The lay delegation pledged that if Fugh was not elected, we’d turn out the General Conference, so it was no surprise that the people spoke, electing him the 131st bishop in African Methodism . He answered the call to make a difference embracing the image of a more perfect world as an inclusive ecumenical community without walls including women and men from many faith walks .

In 1996, I assumed the role of Executive Assistant to Bishop Vinton R . Anderson in the 2nd Episcopal District including Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia . Clement Fugh became the General Secretary of the AME Church in 2000 . It meant that his knowledge of church polity, policy, procedures and problems would be the difference in so many ways It was his office that chronicled, reported and oversaw the official records . Because there was no real use of Google, Facebook, Instagram or something to find our friends and friend-enemies and discover what they’ve been up to all of their lives, we formed our own impressions and made decisions about how to relate to the keepers of the information .

I checked out this person, who appeared to “tell it like it is”, to take joy in sharing what the AME Church was about, to always put forward an

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interpretation that was supported by documentation and scriptural underpinning while seldom raising his voice or even appearing to be perturbed when challenged . When my reporting of the church demographics in the 2nd District led to a significant increase in their budget share, while other districts remained the same, I was stunned and asked about the inequity . Clement simply answered, you provided the data, and I was obligated to use it accordingly . So, I argued, those who did not report are off the hook? He simply said, “Maybe for now, but things will work out for everybody” and they did .

I count him as a leader of unequaled integrity, a man of passion and stamina, and a believer who takes the walk of faith seriously and who has answered his calling in life, a comrade – my friend!

When asked to coordinate his Investiture as President of the Council of Bishops, I was honored . When he supported my leadership of the “2018 End Racism Now” March in DC, I was encouraged . When asked to co-chair the Legislative Task Force, I was excited . When he gave me the “I See You” Award, I was humbled . When invited to his 75th birthday celebration, I was overjoyed and to help carry out his vision for thanking God and those who God placed in his path . It has been my joy to share with you, through my lens – Clement Willie Fugh, and say “Happy Birthday . ”

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker

Dear Bishop Fugh,

Lena Louise Kennedy

You have been an inspirational leader for so long, for so many .

I have been fortunate to see a side of you that others rarely see . What I have seen is the love you have for your family, your hard work for the church, and your passion for righteousness . You are someone who always rises to the moment . You demonstrate the difference that a well-lived life can make . You have touched and enhanced the lives of so many . Your life is a testament to service to God .

I feel honored to be included with your family and closest friends in your celebration . I may not have the long, rich history that the other guests have with you, but I have been richly blessed by knowing you .

I will always treasure your snippets of wisdom that you have shared with me . One moment I fondly recall was when we were working on a project to encourage members to vote . You told me to own my Blackness and always be proud just to focus on the Black community .

“So I say to you, Happy 75th Birthday, behind you all your memories, before you all your dreams, around you all who love you, within you all you need . ”

Lena Louise Kennedy

“Life is short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.”

Dad,

There are no words to express how blessed I am that God chose you to be my father .

Your unconditional love, support, advice, wisdom, and presence in my life means more to me than you’ll ever know!

Marcia Joseph

I’m also thankful to God for the fact that my children get to experience, first-hand, the love of a man that I have loved and adored since I was born!

Dad, you are the blueprint of an extraordinary human being and father . I’m grateful for the influence and impact you have had on my life!

I hope you have an amazing 75th Birthday and pray that God blesses you with many more joyful years, good health, peace, and love!

Your daughter,

Marcia

Marcia Joseph, Taylor Joi , Paul Steven III, and Paul Joseph

December 13, 2022

Monica Dillihunt

CW,

I was a little girl who went to Aunt Alma’s house and a graduation picture of you adorned the top of her chest of drawers . It was during those days that I began to admire you . I knew that if you could graduate from college and obtain higher degrees, then I could do the same . Later, Kevin and I would get excited when you and Alexia would come to town with Marcia and Joseph . We knew we could count on rolls and 7-Up pound cake . During these times, I watched as you modeled what it looked like to be there for your family . I learned from watching you that excellence in everything you do should be the norm and not the exception . I have admired your poise, your mild-mannered ways, and your even temperament . You have a way of making everyone you meet feel comfortable .

I always knew that you were smart and that you really loved the Lord and our church, but it wasn’t until I began working with you as a part of the connectional staff that I really knew just how gifted you really are . Your knowledge of the church is insurmountable and your love for it is unimaginable . You have mastered the art of ALWAYS doing what it right . That is one character trait that I only wish I could have .

You have always been there as a listening ear whenever I needed - especially during the times when I struggled with my faith and my calling . You gave advice, but more importantly, you listened and helped guide me in listening to God . Although I never took that leap, I feel he has still used me in other ways . I thank you for that .

As you enjoy this second half of life, keep being who you are . You never know who is watching and learning to be a better them because of you, because I am one of them!

Love you much and Happy Birthday!

Dear CW,

Ramona Bogerty

As a cousin, I was appointed a bird’s eye view to your inner workings . I came to cherish all the things that made you - YOU . The most endearing characteristics was observing you love family . You have spent a lifetime of showing us what it means to be family .

I can recall coming to Memphis many times and being caught up in adventures of cousinly conquests . I especially reflect upon my family visit in ’68 and the emotions that were tied to the historical event that related to Martin Luther King Jr . Your care throughout impacted my mind, but knowing that you were there to lean on allowed me to breathe and enjoy our time together . I was enabled to witness your sincerity and protective nature as we packed into your car to explore the city .

We’ve shared a lifetime of love, thoughts and adventures that bear credence to what you bring to us as family .

Love you much,

Ramona Bogerty

Ramona Bogerty and Marcia Joseph

Dec . 11, 2022

Rita Fugh Powell

Hello Cousin,

Thanks for inviting me to your 75th birthday celebration . I reflect on our time spent in our early days while traveling on Sunday evenings to your many preaching engagements . Delois, JL, and I were your cheerleaders . I always enjoyed our special conversations on marriage, children, and many other things . We bonded even more when we searched for your apartment in Memphis upon your assignment at New Tyler . With your arrival in Memphis, you brought your wife Alexia and we formed a special bond . Thanks for always being there and including me in these special memories .

Although we don’t talk as much, I know you love me and are there for me whenever I need to talk .

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Birthday, and may you have many more years of happiness and success .

Love,

Your Cousin,

Rita Fugh Powell

Spencer Lamar Booker

As far as I can remember in my life, there existed a Clement W . Fugh . My Father, The Late Presiding Elder Benjamin Roosevelt Booker, Sr ., would often refer to “Fugh” as a trusted friend and outstanding pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the 13th Episcopal District .

My brother, The Rev . David Earl Booker, Sr ., often would tell me he stopped by “Fugh’s” office, had a great fellowship, and received a monetary blessing . I have had a lifetime of crossing paths with Bishop Fugh beginning as a youngster growing up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church . He would always recognize me by my first name ‘Spencer” with a proper sound that only he could make .

Fast forward, I observed Bishop Fugh as the pastor of Quinn Chapel, Louisville, KY . I watched later in admiration as pastor and builder of Bethel AME Church, Nashville, TN, and subsequently as a General Secretary of the AME Church, and then ultimately as the 131st elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Fugh continued to be a powerful, influential, and faithful presence .

My first personal encounter with Bishop Fugh was during an official complaint I filed with the Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church . On multiple occasions, I would approach him to take my side of the issue as a native homeboy . But to my surprise, he kept my focus by referring me to the letter of the law of positive church proceedings . He further supplied me with his book regarding Church Positive Law,

where he pointed out my error . Although I felt the opponent had made mistakes just as I had done, in challenging them, Fugh instructed me frankly with this insightful statement, “You may win legally, but you will lose politically . ”

My second personal encounter occurred when Bishop Fugh became my Presiding Bishop . It was in this vein that he helped me understand the value of relationships . As my Bishop, he helped me to understand our connection ran deeper than Bishop/Pastor relationship . He often would challenge me with phrases like, “our relationship runs deep unless you move; now who moved?” When I was excited about raising my budget, he would reply, “oh really, that’s a given .” When my boys moved out, he declared “Now you and Lady Gail are a part of the empty-nesters; you will be okay; don’t you move, stay the course” Perhaps, the most impactful moment was when he and Supervisor Fugh text us 10 minutes before my Nephew/Son Adrian Booker’s funeral was to begin and stated, “we are on our way, just to be present, no speaking, just the ministry of presence .” “That’s what family does . ”

Much Success to our Beloved Bishop Clement W . Fugh!

Happy 75th Birthday and many more .

Spencer Lamar Booker

Thomas and Carrie Brown

Dear Bishop Clement Fugh,

Carrie and I hope this Christmas Day that your spirits are high and nothing but positive thoughts are saturating your mind . We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and Alexia for the many years of a joyous friendship we have shared . Many of them planned and some that have been spontaneously created by our dear Bishop!!! Regardless of the circumstances, both of you have been sincere and positive friends .

My awareness of Clement’s spiritual connection became undeniable while I was seated as a passenger in his automobile . One late night during his tenure at Quinn Chapel AME Church in Lexington, Kentucky (mid 1970s), Carrie and I received a telephone call from Clement during which he informed us that he was having car problems while on the way from Nashville, Tennessee . Without hesitation on a cold snowy night, we grabbed up Sakita (5-year-old daughter) and headed out to find them . We spotted the car nearly 6o miles on Bluegrass Parkway at the last toll gate . I jumped in the car with Clement and Alexia and Marcia got in the car with Carrie . Clement proceeded to issue a silent prayer prior to cranking the ailing vehicle . The car started moving at a slow pace that never exceeded 40 mph . Each time the car’s transmission overheated, it stopped . Clement would pray again and the car would start moving . This process occurred three more times (prayer, car stops) . We finally got back to Lexington and to his driveway . After witnessing the struggles between prayers and the car’s devilish transmission, I am still convinced that his prayers that freezing winter night played a significant part in getting that car back 60 miles to his driveway .

On a personal note, we would like to thank you and Alexia for flying into Charleston to visit with us in Myrtle Beach a few years ago . We were so glad to see you and Alexia that the time and distance traveled to Charleston to

transport both of you did not matter (120 miles one way) . We never asked why Charleston was your final flight destination when the Myrtle Beach International Airport is only 20 minutes from our house .

During your stay, we decided to travel to Carrie’s home in the Choppee community . Carrie’s mother was ill at the time and there was no hope of her getting any better . After leaving, we realized that we did not have a photo of you and Alexia with mom . We immediately decided to turn around and get that photo taken . We did not know how much that photo opportunity meant to our dear mother . It became her most cherished possession prior to her transitioning . We had no idea that such a simple visit would provide the upmost gift!

During our visits, you and Alexia have unselfishly provided the best of “top shelf” liquid substance for friendly and joyous libations and outstanding restaurants for breaking of bread . Steaks and seafood were all cooked to perfection as determined by Clement’s delicate finger test for providing the proper tenderness and temperature . We can always be certain if the temperature does not meet the Bishop’s sensory perception, the chef will have to respond as many times as necessary for it to be adequate for his refined palate and our consumption .

Your Friends for Life,

Thomas and Carrie Brown

Vanessa Fugh

To my dear, dear brother-in-law Clement W . Fugh,

Your presence in my life has been a blessing . You have truly become a friend . I really enjoy our time together . You really don’t know how special Don and I feel when you and Lex seem to really enjoy our company . Having you as a brother-in-law gives me a sense of comfort . I know when something goes wrong, you will be there to support and advise . Your presence in our lives has certainly strengthened Don’s and my family bond . Thank you for being such a wonderful role model of what a man should be .

Lastly, I must mention how much I love your dapperness and genteel manner .

Vanessa Fugh