Remembering the Life of
Reverend Clevester Rolfe, Sr. was born on Wednesday, May 10, 1944, in Foreman, Arkansas. He was the fourth son of the late Cleophous Rolfe, Sr. and the late Estella Canaday Rolfe Hooks. He attended Wiley Nolan Elementary School and graduated in 1963 from Unity High School in Foreman, Arkansas where he exceled in basketball. He matriculated at Texas A&M University (East Texas State University) in Commerce, Texas where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and an associate degree in Provisional Guidance. He earned his Texas Teacher Certificate in 1980.
At an early age he united with St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend M. T. Thurston. He was an active member of the Junior Church where he participated in Sunday School, Usher Ministry, Choir Ministry and BTU.
He moved to Dallas, Texas following high school graduation. In March 1966 he was drafted into the United States Army where he served until March 1968. He was awarded an honorable discharge. He was awarded the Expert Rifle National Defense Service Medal. Following time served in the Army he was employed with Dallas School District as an educator. He was a supervisor at Deerborn in Dallas, Texas. After leaving Deerborn he launched Preacherman Moving Service where he remained until retirement in 2017.
On August 31, 1968, he united in holy matrimony to the late Virginia Fay Daniels. To this grand union four children were born. In 2014 God called First Lady Virginia Rolfe home.
During his early years he united with St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. He was ordained as a Deacon on November 25, 1979. He accepted his call into the ministry and was ordained on February 21, 1982, at Macedonia Baptist Church, Lancaster, Texas. In April 1985 he was elected pastor of St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Ashdown, Arkansas. He was later elected pastor of Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Lockesburg, Arkansas. St. Rest Missionary Baptist church relocated to its present location under his leadership. He loved to inject humor as he delivered the Word of God. He enjoyed singing with the Male Chorus. Pastor Rolfe received an Honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity on August 21, 2022. He served as president of Little River District Congress of Christian Education for over 35 years. He labored in the ministry for 42 years and remained pastor of St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church for over 38 years until God called him home.
He loved working with his hands, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He prided himself in raising watermelon in his back yard. He also enjoyed playing dominoes with his family. He was a humble, easy-going, praying man who loved God.
On May 6, 2017, he was united in holy matrimony to Onetha Williams. In 2022 after suffering three strokes, Lady Rolfe became his devoted caregiver. On July 16, 2023, at 10:08 P.M., Pastor Rolfe while cradled in the arms of his wife, transitioned from his earthly vessel.
Pastor Rolfe was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, William Hooks, Sr.; brothers: Louis Rolfe, Sr. and Morris Rolfe, Sr; and sister: Earlean Hooks Brantley.
He leaves to hold dear his memory, his loving, devoted wife Onetha Williams Rolfe of Ashdown, AR; his children: Clement (Tarsha) Rolfe of Sunnyville, TX, Clevester (Shawn) Rolfe, Jr of Garland, TX, Koley Anthony of Seal Beach CA, Jeremy (Shello) Rolfe of Dallas, TX; step-daughters: Vernita Daniels of Dallas, TX and Angela Mays of Conway, AR; brothers: Manuel (Eddie Jewel) Rolfe of Dallas, TX; William Hooks of Ashdown, AR; Roy (Scarlette) Hooks of Ashdown, AR; sisters: Cora (Fred) Diggs of Dayton, OH, Frances (Cleophus) Lee of Pine Bluff, AR, Carolyn (Evester) Deloney of Ashdown, AR, and Mary Matthews of Ashdown, AR. Also remembering him in love are twelve grandchildren, one step-grandchild, five great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, classmates, friends and the St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church family.