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Supporting You Every Step of the Way
OBITUARIES
Honoring lives, sharing memories, and preserving legacies. Forever remembered, and always cherished. A tribute to lives that will never be forgotten.
James "Jimmy" Boyd
January 1, 1955 - March 20, 2026
Clinton E. Oates
December 18, 1935 - April 12, 2026
Clinton Earl Oates was born on December 18, 1935, in Dover, North Carolina. He was lovingly raised by his devoted grandparents, Bessie and Scott Len Oates, as well as his cherished mother, Abie Oates-Thorpe. After graduating from Newbold High School, in Barnwell, North Carolina, Clinton relocated to Hackensack, New Jersey, where he lived with the late Deacon Walter Oates and Deaconess Anna Bell Oates.
Through the introduction of a dear friend, Eula Sanford, Clinton met the love of his life, Josephine Sims. The two were united in marriage on December 14, 1957, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion. In 1958, Clinton briefly served his country in the Armed Forces at Fort Dix, New Jersey. A man of curiosity and discipline, Clinton was deeply committed to lifelong learning. He attended Bergen Community College’s Continuing Education program, where he pursued studies in real estate licensing, construction estimating, concepts of appraisal, and property management. An avid reader, he built a collection of books centered on business, public speaking, and, above all, real estate—subjects that reflected both his ambition and his desire for growth. A graduate of Edward Williams College (Hackensack Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University), Clinton later used his degree by working with students at Bergen County Special Services.
Clinton dedicated many years of service as a Compounder for Roure Bertrand Dupont in New Jersey, a company known for producing high-quality perfumes. His strong work ethic and reliability remained evident throughout his career until his retirement. Following retirement, Clinton continued to pursue his passion in education, specifically working with children and young adults. He was a permanent substitute teacher for Bergen County Academies in Hackensack where the students loved him. Principal Lynch said that he was respected by all in the school system. Mr. Oates also volunteered as a probation counselor, always striving to uplift and guide young people. His commitment to nurturing others extended into his church life as well. As a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church for over 70 years, Clinton served diligently as Superintendent of Sunday School. With a deep love for gospel music, he found joy in singing hymns from the heart. Dressed to the nines, he would often step out to attend the gospel music concerts produced by John Rogers. Up until his passing, he loved to listen to the Reverend Al Sharpton every Saturday morning. He especially loved the sermons on Social Justice.
"May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
Above all, Clinton will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and friends. He was a man who gave freely whether it was his time, a helping hand, financial support, encouragement, or simply a ride to those in need. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who delighted in spending time with his family, creating cherished memories through outings to the mall, parks, and local favorites such as Palisades Park, Van Saun Park, Paramus Roller Rink, and Foschini Park. He himself was an avid movie goer.
Those who knew Clinton often described him as a kind and gentle soul someone who never complained or spoke a negative word about anyone. When you asked him how he was doing, his response was always “hanging in there.” He lived a Christ-centered life, embodying the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Even after becoming legally blind later in life, Clinton never lost his spiritual vision. He kept his eyes on Christ and remained steadfast in his faith until his passing on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Clinton was preceded in death by his mother, Abie Oates-Thorpe; his grandmother, Bessie Oates; grandfather Scott Len Oates; his younger brother, Cornelius McCoy, Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Arthur Sims and Clyde Sims; and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Sims; Uncles Len Oates, Walter Oates, and Scott Oates; and Aunts Lila Williams and Dorothy Henderson.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Josephine Oates; his loving only daughter, Andrea Oates-Parchment (Lloyd Preston); his beloved granddaughter, Taylor Vaughn Martin; his sisters-in-law, Earnestine Sims and Nannie Mae Sims; his nephew-sons, David Sims and Fred Sims; his niece, Barbara Sims; his great-niece, Ashley Sims (Stephen); his beloved cousins/sisters, Virginia Powell and Linda Oates Bennett; his godsons, Keaon Powell and Cedric Dunlap; his goddaughter, Jamie Bland; his cousin, Haywood Powell; his devoted caretakers, Dawn Clarke, Patience, Rose, Suzette, and Shelia Holmes; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Clinton’s life was a testament to faith, kindness, and quiet strength. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
Clinton Earl Oates was born on December 18, 1935, in Dover, North Carolina. He was lovingly raised by his devoted grandparents, Bessie and Scott Len Oates, as well as his cherished mother, Abie Oates-Thorpe. After graduating from Newbold High School, in Barnwell, North Carolina, Clinton relocated to Hackensack, New Jersey, where he lived with the late Deacon Walter Oates and Deaconess Anna Bell Oates.
Through the introduction of a dear friend, Eula Sanford, Clinton met the love of his life, Josephine Sims. The two were united in marriage on December 14, 1957, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion. In 1958, Clinton briefly served his country in the Armed Forces at Fort Dix, New Jersey. A man of curiosity and discipline, Clinton was deeply committed to lifelong learning. He attended Bergen Community College’s Continuing Education program, where he pursued studies in real estate licensing, construction estimating, concepts of appraisal, and property management. An avid reader, he built a collection of books centered on business, public speaking, and, above all, real estate—subjects that reflected both his ambition and his desire for growth. A graduate of Edward Williams College (Hackensack Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University), Clinton later used his degree by working with students at Bergen County Special Services.
Clinton dedicated many years of service as a Compounder for Roure Bertrand Dupont in New Jersey, a company known for producing high-quality perfumes. His strong work ethic and reliability remained evident throughout his career until his retirement. Following retirement, Clinton continued to pursue his passion in education, specifically working with children and young adults. He was a permanent substitute teacher for Bergen County Academies in Hackensack where the students loved him. Principal Lynch said that he was respected by all in the school system. Mr. Oates also volunteered as a probation counselor, always striving to uplift and guide young people. His commitment to nurturing others extended into his church life as well. As a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church for over 70 years, Clinton served diligently as Superintendent of Sunday School. With a deep love for gospel music, he found joy in singing hymns from the heart. Dressed to the nines, he would often step out to attend the gospel music concerts produced by John Rogers. Up until his passing, he loved to listen to the Reverend Al Sharpton every Saturday morning. He especially loved the sermons on Social Justice.
"May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
Above all, Clinton will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and friends. He was a man who gave freely whether it was his time, a helping hand, financial support, encouragement, or simply a ride to those in need. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who delighted in spending time with his family, creating cherished memories through outings to the mall, parks, and local favorites such as Palisades Park, Van Saun Park, Paramus Roller Rink, and Foschini Park. He himself was an avid movie goer.
Those who knew Clinton often described him as a kind and gentle soul someone who never complained or spoke a negative word about anyone. When you asked him how he was doing, his response was always “hanging in there.” He lived a Christ-centered life, embodying the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Even after becoming legally blind later in life, Clinton never lost his spiritual vision. He kept his eyes on Christ and remained steadfast in his faith until his passing on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Clinton was preceded in death by his mother, Abie Oates-Thorpe; his grandmother, Bessie Oates; grandfather Scott Len Oates; his younger brother, Cornelius McCoy, Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Arthur Sims and Clyde Sims; and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Sims; Uncles Len Oates, Walter Oates, and Scott Oates; and Aunts Lila Williams and Dorothy Henderson.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Josephine Oates; his loving only daughter, Andrea Oates-Parchment (Lloyd Preston); his beloved granddaughter, Taylor Vaughn Martin; his sisters-in-law, Earnestine Sims and Nannie Mae Sims; his nephew-sons, David Sims and Fred Sims; his niece, Barbara Sims; his great-niece, Ashley Sims (Stephen); his beloved cousins/sisters, Virginia Powell and Linda Oates Bennett; his godsons, Keaon Powell and Cedric Dunlap; his goddaughter, Jamie Bland; his cousin, Haywood Powell; his devoted caretakers, Dawn Clarke, Patience, Rose, Suzette, and Shelia Holmes; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Clinton’s life was a testament to faith, kindness, and quiet strength. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
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