Dr. Clarence Washington Mixon
Dr. Clarence Washington Mixon was born on March 7, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio. Clarence was the third of four children to his loving parents Geneva Curtis Mixon and George Washington Mixon. In 1953, Clarence graduated from John Hay High School, a Cleveland public school. After serving two years with the United States Army in 1956, Clarence graduated from Kent State University with Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1961, Masters in Counseling and Secondary Administration from Case Western University in 1968, and a Doctorate of Higher Education from Michigan State University in 1974.
Clarence was a very gifted artist having painted murals in Dyke Elementary, Kenard Jr. High School, and John Hay High School. His talent also won him a scholarship to Cleveland Institute of Art.
Like his father who owned and operated his own barber shop, Clarence learned to cut hair at the age of twelve. His professional educational career began in the Cleveland Municipal Schools District as an Art Teacher, Guidance Counselor, and Assistant Principal. A Director of New Careers at Cuyahoga Community College for two years. Executive Director of Cleveland Scholarship Programs Inc., for twenty-three years and retired as a Principal at Cleveland Heights High School after eleven years. He continued working part time at Cleveland State University teaching ‘Diversity In Educational Setting’ classes and The University of Akron supervising Student Teachers in the Greater Cleveland area.
Clarence was proud of his work with the Cleveland Scholarship Programs, Inc., replicating the CSP’s model in twelve other cities across the country and the recognition of CSP by the U.S. Department of Education under Mr. William Bennett, Secretary of Education as “The Educational Program of the Year” in 1988 with a reception in the “Rose Garden” in Washington D.C.
He was also proud of his Black History Month programs at Cleveland Heights High School. He designed a DVD called “KISS”( Keeping It Simple for Students), a roap map to help students navigate and apply for all scholarships and eligible financial aid needed to continue their education beyond high school.
Clarence was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and member of Delta Alpha Lambda Graduate Chapter in Cleveland, OH. He was the president and founding member of the Alpha’s Epsilon Delta Chapter, established at Kent State University in 1957.
On Friday, November 26, 2021, Dr. Clarence Washinton Mixon departed this life of 87 years. Both his parents Geneva and George Mixon preceded him in death. Clarence is survived by his siblings: Evelyn Herring, Roy E. Mixon (Geraldine), George Jr. (Marilyn) Mixon and Edward J. Hyde. His first wife Georgia Mixon preceded him in death, leaving behind a daughter, Rhonda Hugabook and a son, Clarence D. Mixon. He is survived by his second wife, Gayle Bohanon Mixon, leaving behind three daughters Alison Mixon (Daniel) Genalo, Lindsey Mixon (Terrence) Atkins, and Heather (Adam) Friedrick. He’s survived by his nine grandchildren: Rowan Atkins, Aiden Atkins, Dillon Friedrick, Hannah Friedrick, Taylor Friedrick, Jordan Friedrick, Devon Mixon, Tarrah Mixon, Brandon Mixon, as well as a host of family members.
Dr. Clarence W. Mixon was an artist who loved humor, traveling, and the saying:
“My life is good and blessed. I have few regrets and did it my way.”